Soft Cell Debut Single “Bruises On My Illusions” from New Album “Happiness Not Included”

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.

Pre-Order Here

Tracklist:

1. Happy Happy Happy
2. Polaroid
3. Bruises On My Illusions
4. Purple Zone
5. Heart Like Chernobyl
6. Light Sleepers
7. *Happiness Not Included
8. Nostalgia Machine
9. Nighthawks
10. I’m Not A Friend Of God
11. Tranquiliser
12. 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