The Punishment of Luxury
Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark · 2017
42 min · 12 tracks · synth-pop
A vibrant blend of synth-pop and electronic textures, reflecting both nostalgia and contemporary concerns.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Punishment of Luxury Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's central themes of consumerism and existential reflection, featuring a catchy chorus layered with intricate synth arrangements.
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Isotype — This track stands out for its infectious melody and commentary on communication in the digital age, employing rhythmic hooks that underline the band's innovative approach.
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Art Eats Art — Exploring the relationship between art and commerce, this track combines clever lyrics with dynamic production, offering a reflective take on contemporary culture.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends nostalgic synth-pop with modern elements, showcasing solid craftsmanship but lacking standout cohesion.
What we noticed
- The first track introduces a steady, pulsating synth line that sets a vibrant tone for the album.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that intertwine with the electronic instrumentation, creating a rich texture.
- The album includes moments of tempo variation, with tracks like 'Isotype' maintaining an upbeat pace while others slow down to create contrast.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, engaging listening sessions
- thought-provoking lyrical themes
- dynamic emotional journeys
- varied pacing throughout album
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a strong return after a long hiatus, showcasing continued vitality.
- Themes
- digital excess· media saturation· modern dystopia
- Moods
- Introspective· Dreamy
- Career context
- Released in 2017, The Punishment of Luxury marked Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's return after a decade-long hiatus since their previous album, History of Modern. This album arrived during a period of renewed creativity for the band, as they explored modern themes while retaining their signature sound developed in the early 1980s.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Depeche Mode· Gary Numan· The Human League
Tracklist
- 1 The Punishment of Luxury Start here 3:26
- 2 Isotype 6:10
- 3 Robot Man 2:59
- 4 What Have We Done 3:47
- 5 Precision & Decay 1:43
- 6 As We Open, So We Close 3:03
- 7 Art Eats Art 3:20
- 8 Kiss Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Bang 2:59
- 9 One More Time 3:06
- 10 La Mitralleuse 2:04
- 11 Ghost Star 6:18
- 12 The View From Here 3:04
What to play next
Bauhaus Staircase
2023
Continues the blend of synth textures with fresh ideas and contemporary themes.
English Electric
2013
Sets the stage with similar electronic vibes and thematic depth.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Spirit
Depeche Mode
Explores themes of modern anxiety and societal issues within a rich synth landscape.
I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it
The 1975
Combines introspective lyrics with vibrant synth textures reflecting on digital culture.
A Moon Shaped Pool
Radiohead
Shares a contemplative atmosphere and themes of modern disillusionment through lush soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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