Beth Orton announces first album with Partisan Records, Weather Alive, and shares new single

English singer-songwriter Beth Orton has announced the title and release date of her seventh studio album — Weather Alive will be shared on September 23rd, 2022.

The eight-track LP marks the artist's first album in eight years, following 2016's Kidsticks. It's also Orton's first release through Partisan Records, who have added her name to their roster alongside Fontaines DC, Just Mustard, IDLES and Aoife Nessa Frances.

In addition to the album release, Orton has shared the lead single — a sprawling, seven-minute long track by the same name. Smooth piano, rhythmic shakers and ambient strings make up the backing instrumentals, while the singer's voice coasts overtop, raspy and gently emotive. It's simultaneously delicate, and infused with a raw emotional power — diving into a pool of lyrical depth. It feels as if you're looking over the horizon line at something barely recognisable, squinting against the haze of heat and distance. Woozy and real, it's an incredibly strong first showing — demonstrating that time has only strengthened Orton's musicianship.

Making up the gorgeous, flowing backing instrumentals is The Smile's drummer Tom Skinner, jazz multi-instrumentalist Alabaster dePlume, composer Shahzad Ismaily and The Invisible's bassist Tom Herbert. The song was recorded in Orton's home studio in London, and marked the first time over the course of her career that she had a hand in production.

Garnering a BRIT Award and two mercury prize awards, Orton has a long history in the industry; clocking in three decades in the game. Over that time, she has collaborated on projects with The Chemical Brothers, Andrew Weatherall, Red Snapper and William Orbit. Outside of the studio, she has shared a mic with the likes of Patti Smith, Sinead O'Connor, Nick Cave, Flaming Lips and Beck.

The singer will be heading out on a European tour in support of Alanis Morissette this month, taking the stage at 3Arena in Dublin on June 21. Tickets are priced at €66 each, and can be purchased here. She'll be embarking on her own tour the following month — dates, tickets and more can be found on her website, here.

Check out the video for 'Weather Alive,' here: