Orbital are an English techno duo consisting of brothers Phil Hartnoll and Paul Hartnoll whose career lasted from 1989 until 2004, before reformations in 2009–2014 and 2017–present. They took their name from Greater London's own circular orbital motorway the M25, which was central to the early Rave scene and party network in the South East during the halcyon 'daze' of Acid House. One of the biggest names in British electronica during the 1990s, Orbital were both critically and commercially successful, being particularly known for an element of live improvisation during their shows, a rarity with techno acts. They were initially influenced by early electro and punk rock.
