SYNTH-pop pioneers OMD return with their dazzling 13th studio album ‘The Punishment of Luxury’ which sees them combine the wistful nostalgia and idealised romance of their previous work while stepping out of their comfort zone.

The LP was released in September and they've been touring ever since, a stop at Southampton's 02 Guildhall is planned tonight.

The follow up to the critically acclaimed English Electric, released in 2013, The Punishment Of Luxury is a daring collection of stylish synth pop and masterful songwriting which ranks among their best.

It was written, recorded, produced and mixed by OMD – Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys. "On this album we have managed to make beautiful things out of noises and repetitive patterns", explains Andy. "The trouble is, we just can’t help but write a catchy melody!"

The album takes its name from an 1891 painting by the Italian Giovani Segantini and contains everything from the Kraftwerkian Isotype and Robot Man to the blue eyed soul ballads of One More Time and The View From Here as well as more traditional OMD songs like Kiss Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Bang and the synth heavy title track.

The xx, the Killers and LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy have cited OMD as an inspiration, and the likes of Future Islands and Chvrches show traces of OMD’s DNA.

Having played a triumphant sold out show at the Royal Albert Hall last year, OMD head back out on the road again this autumn for a string of must-see shows.

Tickets: 023 8063 2601 or academymusicgroup.com