1980s flashback: OMD returns to the scene

English new wavers OMD are back in the studio after a 14-year hiatus, with the original lineup reliving their dance pop heyday with a brand new album. The band is streaming samples from their forthcoming LP,
History of Modern, online.

Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark (noted as one of Rolling Stone's most pretentious band names) reunited three years ago for a string of live shows, mashups, and reissues, but hasn't produced any completely new sounds since 1996. The original lineup from The Pacific Age (1986) - Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper, and Martin Holmes - have stayed true to their electro-pop roots in the new album's 13 dance-friendly tracks. On the band's website, fans can download a free copy of the single "Sister Mary Says" or stream a sample from "If You Want It." The full track "Pulse" is available on Rolling Stone's website.

Famed for their keyboard-heavy, atmospheric sound, the band topped the UK charts with their 1980s albums Dazzle Ships, Junk Culture, and Architecture & Morality. In 1985, OMD penned the song "If You Leave" for US director John Hughes' film Pretty in Pink, and the track became an iconic song for a generation in the US and Canada.

Legendary designer Peter Saville, who created artwork for OMD, Joy Division, and Roxy Music, contributed to the album's cover. History of Modern will drop on September 20 in the UK (September 28 in the US) and will be available in five different formats: CD, deluxe CD, double-LP, digital, and box set. A European tour to promote the album will launch this fall.

To stream the track "Pulse": http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/201894

To download additional tracks or find out about tour dates: http://www.omd.uk.com/