The music world is on the verge of a new sonic journey—one that promises to blend ambient serenity with familiar melodies, sparking curiosity and debate among fans and newcomers alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can an artist known for drum-heavy tracks truly master the delicate art of ambient music, or will this new project challenge their identity?
Renowned musician Moby is quietly stepping back into the studio to craft an upcoming album called Future Quiet, set for release on February 20, 2026. This work marks a departure from his earlier, more energetic styles, leaning heavily into atmospheric, minimalist soundscapes inspired by legends like Cocteau Twins and This Mortal Coil. Leading the album is a reimagined version of his 1995 track “When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die,” now featuring the soulful voice of Jacob Lusk from Gabriels.
Listeners can hear the new rendition below, alongside the album cover and full tracklist. The original song, sung by Mimi Goese on Moby’s album Everything Is Wrong, has recently gained renewed popularity through streaming platforms, notably owing to its feature in the first season of Stranger Things—and its return in season 4 only amplified its reach.
About working with Jacob Lusk, Moby shares, “Anyone familiar with Jacob’s voice knows it’s truly captivating. After hearing him sing on the radio, I was so impressed that I spent weeks trying to contact him, eventually convincing him to collaborate. And I believe the final result—his vocals on ‘When It’s Cold I’d Like to Die’—are nothing short of transcendent, in my honest opinion.”
In a detailed press statement, Moby reflects on the influences shaping Future Quiet: “Growing up, I was deeply involved in hardcore punk bands, and I DJed loudly with hip hop, house, and industrial music. But I also sought refuge in softer sounds like the music of This Mortal Coil, the Cocteau Twins, and ambient works by Eno, Bowie, Gorecki, and Arvo Pärt. This album is very much colored by those diverse influences—I can't count how many times I’ve listened to ‘Song to the Siren’ or Joy Division’s ‘Atmosphere’.”
The album, primarily instrumental, features collaborations with several talented vocalists, including Serpentwithfeet, Elise Serenelle, and India Carney. It will be released through BMG, and Moby is slated to support the record with an extensive tour, details of which will be announced soon.
Here’s the complete tracklist for Future Quiet:
- When It’s Cold, I’d Like to Die [feat. Jacob Lusk]
- This Was Never Meant for Us
- Retreat
- LiEstrella del Mar [feat. Elise Serenelle]
- Ruhe
- Mott St 1992
- Precious Mind [feat. India Carney]
- Tallinn
- On Air [feat. serpentwithfeet]
- Selene
- La Vide
- Great Absence
- Mono No Aware
- The Opposite of Fear
Jazz Monroe, a seasoned music and culture journalist based in London, provides insightful coverage across major outlets such as The Guardian and The Independent. His in-depth reviews and interviews continue to illuminate the evolving landscape of contemporary music.
Are you excited about this shift toward ambient sounds from an artist best known for more intense styles? Do you think Moby can successfully reinvent himself in the ambient genre, or does this risk diluting his original identity? Share your thoughts below!
