Description
OMD – The Punishment Of Luxury – Vinyl Record
Released on September 1, 2017, The Punishment of Luxury is the thirteenth studio album by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), the legendary synth-pop duo known for their pioneering work in electronic music. Following the success of their 2013 album English Electric, this record continues their modern synth-driven aesthetic while maintaining the experimental edge that defined their early work in the late ’70s and ’80s. The album’s title is inspired by a 19th-century painting by Giovanni Segantini, which explores themes of materialism, technology, and the struggle between comfort and authenticity—a concept OMD translates into a sonically rich, socially reflective album.
Musically, The Punishment of Luxury blends crisp electronic production, driving synth arpeggios, and atmospheric textures, evoking the mechanized, Kraftwerk-inspired rhythms of their classic albums like Architecture & Morality (1981) and Dazzle Ships (1983). The title track, “The Punishment of Luxury,” kicks things off with pulsating synths and biting social commentary, critiquing modern consumer culture. Songs like “Isotype” and “Robot Man” explore themes of technological alienation and artificial intelligence, using robotic vocals and minimalist synth patterns. Meanwhile, “One More Time” and “What Have We Done” lean into melancholic nostalgia, showcasing Andy McCluskey’s distinctive emotive vocals over lush electronic arrangements. The closing track, “The View from Here,” delivers a cinematic, introspective finale, reinforcing the album’s themes of progress and disillusionment.
The Punishment of Luxury was widely praised by critics and fans alike, debuting at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart, making it one of OMD’s highest-charting albums in decades. Critics highlighted its sharp songwriting, layered production, and thematic depth, noting how OMD continued to evolve without losing the elegance and inventiveness that made them synth-pop pioneers. With its blend of social critique, sleek electronic textures, and infectious melodies, The Punishment of Luxury stands as a modern synth-pop masterpiece, reaffirming OMD’s status as one of the genre’s most enduring and innovative acts.
Die Cut Jacket
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Punishment Of Luxury
Isotype
Robot Man
What Have We Done
Precision & Decay
As We Open, So We Close
Art Eats Art
Kiss Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Bang
One More Time
La Mitrailleuse
Ghost Star
The View From Here
