Orbital, the highly-acclaimed electronic music duo, has just dropped their latest track “Are You Alive?” featuring Penelope Isles. This upbeat and thought-provoking song is the third to be released from their upcoming album “Optical Delusion.” You can expect that to hit shelves and digital platforms on February 17th.
Orbital is composed of brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll. They’ve been at the forefront of the electronic music scene for over three decades. Their 10th studio album, “Optical Delusion,” explores the complex and rapidly changing world we live in. They delve deeper into the human psyche and the emotions we are all currently feeling. The material was sketched out during the lockdown period but fully recorded in the post-pandemic world. The album offers a unique perspective on our current reality.
Origins Of “Are You Alive”
“Are You Alive?” is a perfect example of Orbital’s ability to craft meaningful and impactful music. The song was born from a 6Music project called “The Virus Diaries.” A collaboration Hartnoll did with poet Murray Lachlan-Young. Initially called “Garden Centre,” the song was transformed into a haunting breakup ballad with the help of Penelope Isles.
Penelope Isles is a family affair themselves, a brother and sister act made up of Lily and Jack Wolter. The two groups share a studio in Brighton, and the collaboration was a natural fit. Paul says, “They’re our studio mates, they work upstairs! And they’ve both got amazing voices.”
The track follows the successful lead single “Dirty Rat,” which features Sleaford Mods, and “Ringa Ringa (The Old Pandemic Folk Song),” featuring The Mediaeval Baebes. Orbital is known for its existential questions, and “Are You Alive?” is a continuation of that theme, but with a twist. The sweet sound of the song belies its biting lyrics, showcasing Orbital’s ability to craft music that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Upcoming U.K. Tour
Orbital’s live shows are legendary, and the duo will embark on the “Optical Delusion UK” tour in the spring. With the release of “Optical Delusion,” Orbital continues to reign as one of the most innovative and impactful groups in the electronic music genre.
For additional updates stay connected via the official Orbital website.
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