Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark Debut Video for Scathing Political Track “Kleptocracy”

Saudi money over Central Park
Khashoggi’s body got dissected
With dirty slogans on the red bus door
The narcissist stole the exit

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) has established an indelible legacy, selling over 40 million records and creating an impressive discography that includes iconic albums such as their eponymous debut, Organisation, Architecture and Morality, and Dazzle Ships. Renowned for their synthesis of post-punk, pop, and electronic music, OMD has long captivated both synth aficionados and fans of John Hughs’ iconic era 80s filmography.

The single “Kleptocracy,” featured on the band’s latest album Bauhaus Staircase, emerges as OMD’s most emphatic protest song. OMD Frontman Andy McCluskey highlights its enduring relevance, noting that although it was written at the start of lockdown: “References to Trump, Johnson, and Putin are sadly still relevant. They just won’t fuck off.” The lyric in the song, “It doesn’t matter who you vote for, they’ve bought the man you elected,” summarises the band’s disgust at the current state of democracy. While classic albums like Dazzle Ships delved into the Cold War’s complexities, Humphreys observes, “We haven’t been so overtly political before. The older we get, the more forthright we get. You have to be politically aware in the current climate, because there’s so much craziness going on that you’re forced into an opinion.” This shift reflects a deeper engagement with the tumultuous political landscape that defines our times.

The song “Kleptocracy” pairs its compelling and thought-provoking lyrics with a melody that’s impossible to ignore, earning its status as a quintessential OMD earworm. It delves into the murky waters of global politics, casting a critical eye on the corruption and deceit that pervade the system. Through its exploration of liberty, martial law, financial misconduct, and the sway of international capital, the track articulates a deep-seated disenchantment with the democratic process and the credibility of those in power.

“It’s what we do,” laughs McCluskey. “‘Enola Gay‘ wasn’t the most palatable lyrical content, but that’s got a very catchy tune.” Anger and protest wrapped up in sugar-coated synthop? Spoon it out.

The video produced by Cine1080Studio is a stunning sci-fi masterpiece, featuring faceless humanoids navigating a zero-gravity world and even playing a cosmic concert. This alternate universe is both mysterious and captivating, with a clear emphasis on the joy of floating experienced by its cyborg inhabitants.

Watch below:

Last year, OMD returned triumphantly with their first new studio album since the widely acclaimed ‘The Punishment Of Luxury‘ in 2017. Titled Bauhaus Staircase and released through White Noise via The Orchard, this album stands out as OMD’s most overtly political work to date. It represents the pinnacle of their ambition to blend the avant-garde sensibilities of Stockhausen with the pop brilliance of ABBA.

As Andy McCluskey reveals, this album’s genesis was spurred by the unique circumstances of the lockdown, during which he found that “total boredom” reignited his creative spark. He acknowledges he was privileged to have that comfort, but being stuck at home took the singer back to his earliest days as a songwriter: “It was like being a teenager, mum watching Kojak and me thinking: ‘Fuck this, I’m going to my room to write a song.’ For the first time since then, there was nothing else to do. It’s good inspiration.”

OMD’s Bauhaus Staircase is out now on Streaming and is available for purchase here.

After last year’s standout performance at Huntington Beach’s Darker Waves Festival, in addition to an after-show at the House of Blues Anaheim, OMD has now announced their return to the States in celebration of their new LP.

OMD will take to the stage at The Greek in Los Angeles on September 20, with more Fall 2024 North American tour dates to be announced in February.

In addition to their forthcoming North American tour, OMD is also playing across Europe, including their biggest-ever London headline show at London’s O2 Arena on March 24th.

Tickets and more information for OMD’s forthcoming live dates can be found HERE.

OMD TOUR DATES:

• Tues Jan 30th  – Frankfurt – Jahrhunderthalle (2P)
• Thurs Feb 1st – Dusseldorf – Mitsubishi Electric Halle
• Fri Feb 2nd-  Hamburg – Sporthalle
• Sat Feb 3rd – Chemnitz – Stadhalle
• Tues Feb 6th – Gdansk – B90
• Wed Feb 7th – Warsaw – Stodola
• Thurs Feb 8th – Krakow – ICE
• Sat Feb 10th – Prague – SaSaZu
• Sun Feb 11th – Leipzig – Haus Auensee
• Mon Feb 12th – Berlin – Tempodrom
• Wed Feb 14th – Amsterdam – AFAS
• Thurs Feb 15th – Brussels – Cirque Royal
• Fri Feb 16th – Paris – La Cigale
• Tue Feb 27th – Belfast – Ulster Hall
• Wed Feb 28th – Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre
• Fri Mar 1st – Manchester – O2 Apollo
• Sun Mar 3rd – Liverpool – M&S Bank Arena
• Tue Mar 5th – Leeds – First Direct Arena
• Wed Mar 6th – Edinburgh – Usher Hall
• Fri Mar 8th – Glasgow – Royal Concert Hall
• Sat Mar 9th – Newcastle – O2 City Hall
• Sun Mar 10th – Sheffield – City Hall
• Tue Mar 12th – Leicester – De Montfort Hall
• Wed Mar 13th – Nottingham – Royal Concert Hall
• Fri Mar 15th – Wolverhampton – Civic Hall
• Sat Mar 16th  – Swansea – Swansea Arena
• Sun Mar 17th – Southend-On-Sea – Cliffs Pavillion
• Tue Mar 19th – Bristol – Beacon
• Wed Mar 20th – Oxford – New Theatre
• Fri Mar 22nd – Portsmouth – Guildhall
• Sat Mar 23rd – Ipswich – Regent
• Sun Mar 24th – London – The O2
• Tue Mar 26th – Brighton – Dome
• Wed Mar 27th – Eastbourne – Winter Gardens

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