[staff spinz] Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark “Metroland,” out March 25

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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark “Metroland” [BMG/100% Records]
OMD’s 2010 comeback record History of Modern, the Wirral Peninsula new-wave band's first in 14 years, was hailed as a return to form for the ’80s electronic-pop crooners. But though Modern was entirely palatable and far from a disapointment, this month's new single “Metroland” is their finest effort since 1988’s “Dreaming,” retaining the new-romantic charm that made them the embodiment of a John Hughes soundtrack.

"Metroland" is seven-and-a-half minutes of circular, spiraling, minimal synthpop with a bottom-heavy beat that recalls their more avant garde early years. It's surprisingly good, and officially out March 25. OMD's new LP English Electric drops April 9, a few days before Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys take to the California desert for their Coachella debut. On July 15, OMD come to Boston for a gig at the Paradise, where they shined back in 2011. 

RELATED: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark create a newer wave, May 7, 2011