Soft Cell on 'Danceteria,' Madonna Coincidence & Death of Dave Ball

Soft Cell, the pioneering synth-pop duo formed in Leeds in 1979, have unveiled their sixth and final studio album, "Danceteria," released on September 25. The album arrives nearly a year after the untimely death of David Ball, the band’s co-founder and longtime creative partner, who passed away at age 66 after enduring prolonged health challenges. Marc Almond, the other half of the duo, described the album’s release as bittersweet, reflecting on the loss and the incomplete future they once envisioned.

The creative process behind "Danceteria" spanned several years, with recording starting close to two years prior to its release. The project faced delays primarily due to Ball’s deteriorating health. Almond recalled that just days before Ball’s passing, they had exchanged messages expressing satisfaction with the album’s progress. This final work encapsulates the culmination of their collaboration, with Almond affirming that no subsequent Soft Cell albums will be produced without Ball’s involvement.

Soft Cell’s origins trace back to their days at Leeds Polytechnic, where they began as art students experimenting with music. Their breakthrough came with the 1981 cover of "Tainted Love," which achieved global success, topping charts in seventeen countries and setting a Guinness World Record for its longevity on the Billboard Hot 100. The duo released three albums before their initial split in 1984, followed by reunions from 2000 to 2005 and again from 2018 until Ball’s death.

Almond provided insight into the thematic direction of "Danceteria," highlighting a shift towards a more uplifting tone compared to their previous album, "Happiness Not Included," which was created amid the isolating conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. He linked the new album’s mood to memories of their early 1980s experiences in New York City, a period that deeply influenced their music and identity. The album serves as a homage to that era and the vibrant nightlife that shaped their artistic vision.

The title "Danceteria" references a legendary New York nightclub known for its eclectic music and avant-garde performances. Almond recounted how the venue represented a creative sanctuary for the band, offering a sense of liberation from the commercial pressures exerted by their record label. The environment fostered experimentation and connected the duo to a diverse artistic community, but also marked the beginning of their personal and creative divergences.

An interesting facet of their New York tenure includes witnessing early performances by Madonna, who would later rise to superstardom. Almond recalled attending several of her shows at venues like Danceteria and Tunnel, sharing anecdotes about industry figures recognizing her potential. He acknowledged the coincidental overlap of her recent album featuring a track titled "Danceteria," which underscores the enduring cultural resonance of that scene.

Among the notable tracks on the album is a reinterpretation of Was (Not Was)’s "Out Come the Freaks," featuring collaboration with Nona Hendryx. Almond’s personal connection to the ZE Records label and its mutant disco sound of the early 1980s inspired this choice. The track bookends the album, with Ball’s voice making a poignant final appearance, symbolizing the closing chapter of their partnership.

Following the album’s release, Soft Cell embarked on a brief set of performances during the Generations Tour alongside Human League and Alison Moyet, previewing several new songs. Plans for a more extensive tour, including appearances in California and the U.S. East Coast, aim to revisit both new material and deeper cuts from their catalog. Almond expressed hope to sustain the vitality of their music as a tribute to Ball’s enduring influence.

Looking beyond Soft Cell, Almond revealed ongoing collaborations and solo projects, including a forthcoming album with Barry Adamson. He also mentioned possessing unreleased music co-written with Ball intended for his solo work, indicating that while Soft Cell’s chapter has closed, the creative partnership’s legacy will continue to surface in new forms.

As Almond approaches his seventieth birthday, he reflects on his enduring passion for performance and recording, acknowledging the natural limits of time yet expressing a desire to continue sharing music as long as possible. "Danceteria" stands as a testament to Soft Cell’s pioneering spirit, a final artistic statement shaped by memory, loss, and the vibrant pulse of a bygone era.