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OMD, Washington
(Showbox Sodo) Liverpool duo OMD made some of the early 1980s’ finest synth pop, but touring was never a strong suit—the keyboards and computers integral to crafting Organisation and Architecture & Morality didn’t take kindly to the road. But as the band’s sound adapted to the stage, incorporating horns and live drums, the downward spiral begun with US breakthrough “If You Leave” accelerated, yielding forgettable albums like 1986’s The Pacific Age. Happily, technology has come a long way in the intervening quarter century, and what once required a fortress of synthesizers now fits on a single laptop. More importantly, OMD reverted to their classic template for the recent comeback History of Modern, so there’s no need to groan when they announce, “Here’s one from our new album.” KURT B. REIGHLEY
Words, music and images affiliated (however loosely) with the universe of my new book United States of Americana: Backyard Chickens, Burlesque Beauties & Handmade Bitters - A Field Guide to the New American Roots Movement.
