LONDON—Synth-pop duo Soft Cell released their final album, Danceteria, this week. The album features the single “Out Come The Freaks.” This marks the end of an era for the band. Soft Cell will not embark on any future tours. The band cited the death of Dave Ball as the primary reason. Marc Almond stated recording without Ball felt hollow. He confirmed Danceteria would be the last Soft Cell release. He added that he would miss Ball’s unique sonic contributions.
A Final Flourish
The album includes a collaboration with Nona Hendryx. The track “Out Come The Freaks” showcases Hendryx’s vocal prowess. Almond praised Hendryx’s contribution to the final Soft Cell project. “Nona brought a certain je ne sais quoi,” said Almond. He noted that the song perfectly captured the band’s spirit. He also mentioned that it was a fitting farewell track. The album’s title, Danceteria, evokes a specific club scene. This scene was influential in early electronic music. Fans have shared fond memories of the band online. Many expressed sadness over the band’s conclusion. They also celebrated the legacy of their music.
The End of an Auditory Journey
Soft Cell’s career spanned several decades. They achieved significant success in the 1980s. Hits like “Tainted Love” remain iconic. Their comeback album, Happiness Not Included, was released in 2021. This latest release, Danceteria, provides a final chapter. Almond acknowledged the emotional weight of this release. He stressed the importance of honoring Ball’s memory. “We made this for Dave,” Almond explained. He called the album a final tribute. Fans can stream “Out Come The Freaks” on all major platforms. They can also find information on the album’s release here.
At press time, Almond was reportedly considering a solo career. He was rumored to be collaborating with a local church choir. The project would focus exclusively on sea shanties.
