Marc Almond and David Ball are set to release their first Soft Cell record in 25 years, Happiness Not Included, in February of 2022. Ahead of the release the long-running synth-pop duo have released the album’s first official single “Bruises On My Illusion”.
The song is classic Soft Cell dark cabaret. Driven by a sordid organ synth and pulsing drum beats, and Marc Almond crooning lyrics such as “when every day is Soviet gray”, the imagery spun the catchy melody paints a deliciously bleak portrait of the song’s protagonist.
As Marc Almond explains, “‘Bruises On My Illusions” is a mini film noir Soft Cell story about a disillusioned character with everything against him or her who still has hope for a better future, despite the odds. A darker ‘Bedsitter’. Dave’s ominous yet punchy defiant chords inspired the song.”
Dave Ball adds, “One of our darker cinematic pop moments with a classic Marc Almond lyric”.
Listen to “Bruises On My Illusion” below:
The new Soft Cell album Happiness Not Included, will be available on CD, Vinyl, and Deluxe Formats, and will feature a dozen brand new Marc Almond and Dave Ball songs. Previously, the band released a preview track (non-single) of the song “Heart Like Chernobyl” to celebrate the pre-order launch on August 13th.
Tracklist:
- Happy Happy Happy
- Polaroid
- Bruises On My Illusions
- Purple Zone
- Heart Like Chernobyl
- Light Sleepers
- *Happiness Not Included
- Nostalgia Machine
- Nighthawks
- I’m Not A Friend Of God
- Tranquiliser
- New Eden
Live Dates:
- 11/10 Glasgow O2 Academy
- 11/12 Manchester O2 Apollo
- 11/13 Leeds O2 Academy
- 11/15 London Hammersmith Apollo
- 11/16 London Hammersmith Apollo
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