Orbital

It’s fitting that this veteran duo, unsung for bringing electronica to mainstream (or at least to alt-rock) acceptance, would open its farewell album without a drum beat, usually a key Orbital element. Blue Album holds few surprises for those familiar with its predecessor, The Untogether. But other than “You Lot,” a compelling plea for planetary responsibility, the overall mood is more casual, the sound more austere than previous material. Beautiful moments still occur, but for sustained emotion, you’ll want to delve into the back catalog. To fans of sprawling classics such as Orbital 2 and In Sides, this send-off will come off disjointed, thanks to the Hartnoll brothers’ reprise of old songs in the album’s latter half. In theory, it’s a great idea, but the lack of ceremony leaves a flat aftertaste. Blue sounds like Orbital simply wanted to stick to its routine, then pack up and go home.