Orbital Releases New Single “Are You Alive?”
Fans of Orbital have most likely played Halcyon And On And On a thousand times, or were excited when it was the final song in the end of the movie Mean Girls.
While it isn’t the early 2000s anymore, Orbital is still working at the grindstone creating new music. On February 1, 2023 Orbital released a new song Titled “Are You Alive?”
This song was made in collaboration with the band Penelope Isles. The Penelope Isle’s members consist of British siblings Lily and Jack Wolter. Notably, the band was recently signed to Bella Union Records, and currently have two studio albums with them.
“Are You Alive?” is a 3rd pre-release single from Orbital’s new album Titled “Optical Delusion.” The whole album is set to be released February 17, 2023.
The new single has a few layers to it. Orbital’s own Paul Hartnoll said, in an interview with Stereo gum that, “Lily came up with some killer hooks… but don’t be fooled by the sweetness of the sound the lyrics have some bite. It’s a dog-eat world.”
The new single is an electric lick with an influence of Indie Rock from the band Penelope Isles. The song is 7:49 minutes long, and the beginning has a soft and emotional tone. As the progression builds the sound gradually becomes encompassing, and immense.
In terms of meaning, the song is about standing up for yourself because no one else is going to do it for you. As well as wasting energy on someone who doesn’t appreciate it. The breakup lyrics sung by Penelope say,
“Whatcha’ been doing fixing it up for somebody else?
I have been writing all of it down out of my head.
I can't tell if that part of you is there anymore.
Nothing you care of.”
“Are You Alive” is a song of self determination, and a cautionary tale of what to look out for. With masterful production and enchanting vocals, it is definitely worth a listen. The song is available to listen below.
Images Via DjMag.com and Discogs.com