"Dazzle Ships" is the fourth studio album by the British electronic band Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD), released in 1983. The album is known for its experimental and avant-garde approach, departing from the more commercially successful sound of their previous albums.
Released on Virgin Records, "Dazzle Ships" features the core duo of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys. The album's title is derived from the camouflage technique used on ships during World War I, where bold geometric patterns were painted to confuse enemy vessels.
"Dazzle Ships" incorporates a wide range of influences, including musique concrète, radio transmissions, and unconventional sound samples. The album is characterized by its ambitious and unconventional structure, featuring a mix of synth-pop songs and more experimental, atmospheric pieces. Tracks like "Genetic Engineering" and "Telegraph" showcase the band's willingness to push boundaries in their sonic exploration.
Despite its departure from their previous commercial successes, "Dazzle Ships" has gained retrospective acclaim for its innovation and risk-taking. While it was initially met with mixed reviews and commercial challenges, it has since been recognized as a pioneering work in the realm of electronic and experimental pop music. The album's unique approach and artistic vision have contributed to its status as a cult classic in OMD's discography.
