Soft Cell to Release Final Album Danceteria Sep 25 2026

The synth-pop duo Soft Cell has announced that their sixth and final studio album, "Danceteria," will be released on September 25, 2026, marking the definitive end of the group's recording career following the death of co-founder Dave Ball. The album's title track was released on Tuesday, June 9.

The record, which will be released via Republic of Music, was completed just two days before Ball's passing in October 2025 at age 66. Bandmate Marc Almond stated that the album serves as a fitting farewell to Ball, who co-wrote and produced the project. Almond explained that continuing to record as Soft Cell without Ball would not be possible, describing his late partner as half of the duo.

"Danceteria" is framed as a love letter to early 1980s New York City, where the duo recorded their first three albums. The album's title refers to a seminal Manhattan nightclub the pair frequented after sessions for their 1981 debut, "Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret." Almond said the time spent in New York during that era was pivotal, deeply shaping both artists and influencing their early sound, which blended British perspective with American influences like New York punk, disco, and soul.