UK Synth-pop icons OMD bring New Wave euphoria both past and present with ebullient Austin set.
On a balmy June evening, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) transformed Austin’s ACL Live into a pulsating haven of synth-pop nostalgia and contemporary electronica. Touring in support of their 2o23 album, Bauhaus Staircase, the band delivered a performance that was both a heartfelt homage to their storied past and a testament to their enduring relevance.
Frontman Andy McCluskey’s infectious enthusiasm was evident from the outset. Quipping about tightening his belt to prevent his pants from falling as he prepared to “dance badly,” McCluskey’s self-deprecating humor and spirited movements belied his years. His exuberance was matched by the audience’s fervor, creating a reciprocal energy that fueled the night’s festivities.
McCluskey also addressed the band’s previous tour postponement due to his knee surgery, reassuring fans with a grin that he now “gets around pretty well!”
Indeed, his dynamic presence on stage was a highlight, captivating the crowd with every stride and gesture, from prowling around with his bass in tow or performing idiosyncratic arm gestures when instrument free.
The setlist was a masterful blend of OMD’s classic hits and newer compositions. Early in the show, McCluskey introduced Tesla Girls with a grin, noting they were approached to license it for a commercial but decided, “F— it, not for Elon Musk.” The crowd roared in approval, the moment adding a dose of modern-day irreverence to the retro gem.
The Bauhaus Staircase material was strong, and seamlessly integrated into the mix, from the zippy opener Anthropocene, to Kleptocracy, aimed pointedly at our current state of apocalyptic politics.
“If You Leave” stood out as a pinnacle moment; Martin Cooper’s saxophone solo resonated deeply, and McCluskey’s impassioned delivery of the crescendo line “don’t look back!” elicited a thunderous ovation. The performance was visually augmented by projections of Molly Ringwald, evoking the song’s iconic association with the John Hughes teen classic.
Introducing the Staircase track “Veruschka,” McCluskey acknowledged the risk of performing a new, slower song mid-set. However, the audience was entranced by its hypnotic rhythm and ethereal melodies, showcasing the band’s continued evolution and willingness to explore new sonic landscapes.
Paul Humphreys took center stage for renditions of “Souvenir,” “Forever Live and Die,” and “Secret.” McCluskey noted that “Secret” was their biggest single that was never officially released, a fascinating tidbit that underscored the song’s lasting impact on the new wave scene.
Check out my new interview with Paul Humphreys
The main set concluded with the electrifying “Enola Gay,” its anti-war message as poignant today as it was decades ago. The encore featured “Look at You Now,” “Secret,” and the seminal “Electricity,” leaving the audience in a state of euphoria.
OMD’s performance at ACL Live was a captivating journey through time, blending the nostalgic allure of their early hits with the innovative spirit of their newer work. The band’s ability to connect with the audience, both musically and personally, reaffirmed their status as synth-pop legends who continue to inspire and entertain across generations.
Setlist
Anthropocene
Messages
Tesla Girls
Kleptocracy
History of Modern (Part I)
(Forever) Live and Die
If You Leave
Souvenir
Joan of Arc
Maid of Orleans
The Rock Drill
Veruschka
Don’t Go
Pandora’s Box
So in Love
Dreaming
Locomotion
Sailing on the Seven Seas
Enola Gay
Encore:
Look at You Now
Secret
Electricity