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Veritable pioneers of electronic music, iconic act THE ORB returns to Kompakt with the new full-length MOONBUILDING 2703 AD - another major slice of psychedelic synth bliss, obscure loops and deep ambient textures tossed in swinging breakbeats and powerful basslines. Installing a forward momentum rather unusual for a genre-defying project like this, the latest effort from masterminds Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann follows their 2005 album success on Kompakt, the cheekily named "Okie Dokie It's The Orb On Kompakt" (KOMPAKT CD 45), as well as several contributions to our Speicher and Pop Ambient series - but more importantly, it finds the legendary duo at the peak of its creativity, ringing in another essential phase in what can only be called a ground-breaking career.

True to form, the new offering MOONBUILDING 2703 AD features a small track list, but turns each one of its four cuts into a mini epic in its own right. Opener GOD'S MIRRORBALL hits the ground floating, employing a handful of cozy statics to great effect before finally discharging into an intricate mosaic of atmospheric melodic sketches and gripping rhythms. With a hypnotic runtime of more than 14 minutes, it immediately establishes a blueprint for the other album tracks to follow, perfectly illustrating the vast extent of the artists' vision and their impressive skills in luring in listeners - welcome to THE ORB's sonic labyrinth, where nothing is what it seems and the unexpected waits just around the corner.

Likewise, follow-up track MOONSCAPES 2703 BC presents itself as a uniquely versatile affair sitting comfortably between ambient flourishes and beat-driven focus, holding as many twists and turns as a caper movie, but carefully grounding every single one of its cliffhangers in its impeccable flow. With a runtime of approximately 9 minutes, LUNAR CAVES is the shortest jam of the bunch - and also the most ethereal, keeping its rhythmic content to a bare, pulse-like minimum and opting for enticing, freewheeling synth textures instead. Album closer and title cut MOONBUILDING 2703 AD introduces a surprisingly jazzy vibe mingling rather well with the wealth of electronic tricks up its sleeve - even indulging in abrasive bass sweeps and a breathtaking multitude of different rhythm sections constantly switching places. It's a fitting closing act for a full- length as multifaceted as this, as idiosyncratic as possible and as muscling as needed.

BUY DELUXE VINYL SPECIAL EDITION: http://www.kompakt.fm/releases/moonbuilding_2703_ad_special_edition

The Orb - Moonbuilding 2703 AD

Producer and DJ from Norway.
Passionate about all music from classical to metal. Still haven't found what I am listening for, so this is me developing my undefined niche of Electronica.
I am greatly influenced by Moby, Leftfield and Underworld, who are expanding the musical universe combining cutting edge hardcore dance music with soulfull ambience. Their music is definitely striking an inspirational nerve in me.
I am also a big fan of the great trance giants , combining pristine harmonic soundscapes with pouncing dance beats. I turned totally religious after a Paul van Dyk set in Oslo. Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Paul van Dyk, Ferry Corsten, Fedde LeGrand, Mark Knight. Many greats - the list is too long.
Finally I am a sucker for electronic jazz, with artist like Ludovic Navarre and Bugge Wesseltoft, who are building bridges between contemporary jazz music and modern dance music introducing jazz to younger generations. Enjoy if you can, and bear with me if you can't, I'm learning every day.

Darwin Jiménez, also known as DJ DarJim, is a Dominican electronic music DJ whose work is defined by a strong musical foundation, refined harmonic sensibility, and a deep commitment to underground electronic culture.

DarJim’s musical path began early through piano training, which shaped his understanding of melody, harmony, structure, and musical progression. This classical foundation continues to inform his approach to electronic music, where phrasing, tonal balance, and long-form musical narrative are central elements of his sets.

Guided by a lifelong curiosity for sound, DarJim developed into an avid explorer of new musical expressions, with a particular appreciation for creativity in harmonic construction and the exploration of texture across multiple musical spectrums. His approach transcends rigid genre boundaries, focusing instead on atmosphere, groove, and emotional continuity.

His artistic identity has been shaped by influential figures in the global electronic music movement, including Deep Dish, Richie Hawtin, Satoshi Tomiie, Sasha & John Digweed, Chris Liebing, Marco Carola, Seb Fontaine, Sven Väth, Danny Howells, and Mistress Barbara. These influences are reflected not through imitation, but through a shared emphasis on journey-driven sets, technical precision, and respect for the listener’s experience.

During the late 2000s and early 2010s, DarJim became an active presence in the Dominican Republic’s emerging electronic music scene. His first significant residency took place at Bamboo House, followed by his most memorable and defining residency at Encuentro Artesanal Bar in Santo Domingo’s historic Zona Colonial, a venue recognized for its artistic and cultural relevance within the underground scene.

In addition to his residencies, DarJim participated in several notable radio showcases, contributing curated mixes that reflected both his musical range and his commitment to sound exploration during a formative period for electronic music in the Dominican Republic.

While rooted in the traditions of underground electronic music, DarJim remains closely engaged with the genre’s ongoing evolution. His current listening and inspiration include Maaya Nidan and the new Romanian deep and minimal-tech scene, with particular appreciation for artists such as Raresh, Rhadoo, Petre Inspirescu, Priku, Cristi Cons, Arapu, and Vlad Caia, as well as the aesthetic and sonic direction cultivated by influential labels including a:rpia:r, UVAR, Pressure Traxx, and Dubøka. He is also drawn to the work of Masomenos, the Paris-based project formed by DJ Joan Costes and Adrien de Maublanc, whose emphasis on subtle groove, spatial depth, and hypnotic progression strongly aligns with his long-standing appreciation for harmonic refinement and sonic experimentation.

After some time away in the United States, which led him to step back from club culture for a period, DarJim now returns with renewed focus and perspective. He often reflects on what he values most from those earlier years: the DJ’s ability to play extended four- to six-hour sets, where true storytelling unfolds and emotions are patiently shaped throughout the night. Reconnecting with the pursuit he values most, he is committed to sharing his musical journey with the world, bringing together experience, patience, and an enduring passion for sound.

Known for a DJ-centered approach, DarJim favors extended, immersive sets, refined transitions, and thoughtful progression over commercial exposure.

DarJim’s legacy, and ongoing path, is rooted in sound, space, and musical curiosity, representing a generation of DJs who helped shape the foundations of contemporary electronic culture in the Dominican Republic through integrity, exploration, and respect for the craft.

DJ/Record collector based in Tbilisi
Side Project Of Vision From Yesterday
VFY

Label, booking agency & online record shop

Demo submission: 
We receive a lot of demos every day. Please understand that we are unable to listen to everything. Send your private soundcloud link to: label@kompakt.fm.