Orbital announce new album Other and 2027 UK/EU tour dates

Electronic pioneers Orbital have confirmed the release of their eleventh studio album titled 'Other,' set to arrive on March 19, 2027, via London Records. This announcement comes as a follow-up to their 2023 record 'Optical Delusion,' marking the duo's continued evolution in the electronic music scene.

Accompanying the album reveal is the debut of the single "Mother, Maiden & Crone," which introduces a fresh vocal element through the contribution of English actor Maxine Peake. The track premiered on BBC 6Music with Lauren Laverne, signaling a notable moment in Orbital's recent discography as their first new release in three years.

The album 'Other' delves into themes surrounding the concept of otherness. It explores complex ideas such as neurodiversity, identity, and societal outsiders, emphasizing the freedom to exist outside conventional societal norms. This thematic focus represents a thoughtful expansion of Orbital's lyrical and conceptual scope.

Musically, 'Other' is described as one of the duo's most ambitious efforts to date. The record spans a variety of sonic territories, weaving together elements of gothic folk, drum & bass, punk, and ambient music alongside Orbital's signature electronic textures. This eclecticism highlights the duo’s willingness to experiment and push genre boundaries.

The involvement of Maxine Peake as a vocalist adds an intriguing layer to the album's narrative and sound. Her presence, particularly on the lead single, underscores the album’s engagement with folklore and mysticism, as "Mother, Maiden & Crone" draws inspiration from witchcraft and related mythologies.

In conjunction with the album's release, Orbital has announced an extensive tour slated for 2027. Launching in Dublin on April 8, the tour will cover key cities across the UK and Europe. Notable stops include Limerick, Belfast, Northampton, Liverpool, Glasgow, Nottingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Frome, Birmingham, Bournemouth, London, and major European cultural centers such as Amsterdam, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

This tour schedule reflects Orbital’s sustained appeal and their commitment to engaging audiences across a broad geographic spectrum. The diverse selection of venues suggests an intention to reach both longstanding fans and new listeners in varying markets.

Details regarding the full tracklist or additional collaborators on 'Other' remain limited at this time. However, the initial insights into the album's thematic ambitions and genre-spanning approach position it as a significant release within Orbital’s prolific career.

As one of electronic music's most enduring acts, Orbital's upcoming project and tour underscore their continued relevance and artistic vitality. With 'Other,' they appear poised to challenge musical and conceptual boundaries once more, demonstrating the enduring evolution of their sound and vision.