Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (album)

Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is the self-titled debut studio album by the British electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released in 1980. The album was recorded at Ridge Farm Studios and released on Factory Records (FACT 14) in the United Kingdom and DinDisc/Virgin internationally.

The album features a minimalist electronic sound, characterized by simple melodies, sparse arrangements, and the prominent use of synthesizers and drum machines. Lyrically, the songs explore themes of alienation, industrial decay, and urban life.

Notable tracks from the album include "Electricity," originally released as a single on Factory Records, and "Messages," which became a breakthrough hit for the band, helping to propel the album to commercial success. Other tracks of note include "Almost," "Mystereality" and "The Messerschmitt Twins".

The album's artwork, featuring a minimalist design of geometric shapes, was created by Peter Saville. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark is considered a seminal work in the early history of synth-pop and new wave music, and helped to establish OMD as a leading force in the electronic music scene of the 1980s. The album received generally positive reviews upon its release and has been lauded retrospectively as a classic of its genre.