OMD Live: Architecture & Morality & More

The popular ‘80s British electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (or OMD) are captured live in this 2007 London concert before a standing room-only crowd at the Hammersmith Apollo, where they perform the entirety of 1981's Architecture & Morality, plus 13 other songs. The lineup consists of Andy McCluskey (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Paul Humphries (vocals, keyboards), Martin Cooper (keyboards, saxophone), and Malcolm Holmes (drums). If Kraftwerk and Brian Eno have always seemed likely influences, OMD integrates more pop and dance elements, positioning themselves somewhere between Gary Numan and Depeche Mode on the synth-pop spectrum. The blue lights trained on the quartet reflect the cool, controlled feel of their music, while background screens illustrate the lyrics, and also feature imagery ranging from black-and-white geometric designs to colorful stained glass windows. For "Joan of Arc," the band encourages the audience to clap along, which adds an additional layer of percussion to the doo wop-like melody. Other highlights include "Tesla Girls," "Forever (Live and Die)," and the Pretty in Pink favorite "If You Leave." Although they don't neglect any of their signature songs, some of the lesser known tracks here come across better than hits like "Enola Gay" and "Electricity," which feel a little rushed in comparison. Overall, this is a must for fans, with the 22-song set offering something for everyone. Bonus features include musician interviews, alternative edits of two numbers, and a featurette on the show's visual imagery. Presented in DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is recommended. (K. Fennessy)