Get ready for a sonic shift! Moby, the electronic music icon, is diving deep into the world of ambient soundscapes with his upcoming album, Future Quiet. But here's the kicker: it all starts with a hauntingly beautiful reimagining of his classic track, “When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,” featuring the incredible vocals of Jacob Lusk from Gabriels. Yes, that's right, the song that gained renewed popularity after its appearance in Stranger Things is back, and arguably better than ever.
Scheduled for release on February 20th via BMG, Future Quiet follows in the footsteps of Moby's previous ambient exploration, Ambient 23. But this time, he's drawing inspiration from legendary ethereal acts like Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil. Think shimmering textures, dreamy melodies, and a profound sense of peace – a stark contrast to his earlier, more energetic work.
The original version of "When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,” featured the vocals of Mimi Goese on Moby's Everything Is Wrong album. Its resurgence in popularity is largely attributed to its poignant placement in the first season of Stranger Things, solidifying its place in popular culture and even reappearing in season 4. And this is the part most people miss... the song's enduring appeal speaks to a deeper connection with themes of isolation and longing, resonating with a generation grappling with uncertainty.
Moby himself is clearly thrilled about the collaboration with Jacob Lusk. In a press release, he gushed, “Like anyone who’s heard Jacob sing, I immediately fell in love with his voice. After hearing him sing on the radio, I spent weeks tracking him down and begging him to work with me. And, lucky me, he agreed. The results speak for themselves, as his vocals on ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die’ are, I say with something approaching objectivity, transcendent.” The passion in his words is palpable, hinting at a truly special musical partnership.
But the influences don't stop there. Moby elaborates on the album's broader inspirations, revealing a lifelong appreciation for both the loud and the quiet: “When I was growing up I played in hardcore punk rock bands, and I DJed VERY LOUD hip hop and house music and industrial music, but I also needed the refuge of quiet records like This Mortal Coil, the Cocteau Twins, Eno & Bowie’s ambient music, Gorecki, Arvo Part, etc. Future Quiet is definitely the product of my influences, as I can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to ‘Song to the Siren’ or Joy Division’s ‘Atmosphere.’” This juxtaposition of musical extremes highlights the delicate balance Moby seeks to achieve in his own work.
The album is predominantly instrumental, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience. However, Moby hasn't completely abandoned vocals. Future Quiet also features contributions from a diverse range of artists, including serpentwithfeet, Elise Serenelle, and India Carney. Each vocalist brings a unique flavor to the project, adding depth and texture to the ambient soundscapes.
And here's some exciting news for fans: Moby will be supporting Future Quiet with a major tour, the details of which will be announced soon. Get ready to experience these ethereal soundscapes live!
Now, here's the tracklist to whet your appetite:
Future Quiet:
01 When It’s Cold, I’d Like to Die [ft. Jacob Lusk]
02 This Was Never Meant for Us
03 Retreat
04 LiEstrella del Mar [ft. Elise Serenelle]
05 Ruhe
06 Mott St 1992
07 Precious Mind [ft. India Carney]
08 Tallinn
09 On Air [ft. serpentwithfeet]
10 Selene
11 La Vide
12 Great Absence
13 Mono No Aware
14 The Opposite of Fear
But here's where it gets controversial... Some argue that Moby's shift towards ambient music is a natural evolution of his artistry, while others believe he's straying too far from the energetic dance tracks that made him famous. What do you think? Is Future Quiet a welcome change of pace, or are you yearning for the Moby of old? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think artists should always stick to what they're known for, or should they be free to explore new sonic territories regardless of fan expectations?
