Crush (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album)
Crush is the sixth studio album by English electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), released on 17 June 1985 by Virgin Records. It is the first of two OMD studio albums to be produced by Stephen Hague. Aimed primarily at the US market, Crush is notable for moving the group towards a more polished sound, although elements of earlier experimentation are still present. During recording the band employed a greater use of organic instrumentation than in the past.
Crush (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark album)
OMD performing in 2011. The band were keen to approximate their live form on Crush, although producer Stephen Hague opted to introduce a more polished sound to the US market.
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) are an English electronic band formed in the Wirral, Merseyside, in 1978. The group consists of founding duo and principal songwriters Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys, along with Martin Cooper and Stuart Kershaw (drums). Regarded as pioneers of electronic music, OMD combined an experimental, minimalist ethos with pop sensibilities, becoming key figures in the emergence of synth-pop; McCluskey and Humphreys also introduced the "synth duo" format to British popular music. In the United States, the band were an early presence in the MTV-driven Second British Invasion.
Founders Andy McCluskey (left) and Paul Humphreys performing at Corona Capital in Mexico City, 2011
Lead vocalist and co-founder Andy McCluskey in 2011
Longtime instrumentalist Martin Cooper in 2018
Keyboardist and co-founder Paul Humphreys departed in 1989