Peter Gabriel reveals details of new album o\i

Peter Gabriel has announced release details for his album o\i. Coming out on November 27, it is a follow-up to his 2023 album i/o.

"This record has been more of a marathon than a sprint", said Gabriel. "It’s the longest album I have ever put out with 13 tracks that complete the i/o / o\i 25-track joint project."

Each track on o\i has two versions, a Bright Side mix and a Dark Side mix. The Bright Side and Dark Side tracks are each available as separate 2LPs, while all 13 tracks in both versions are included on a 4CD set. They are available for pre-order here.

The 2023 album i/o was well received, reaching Number 1 in the UK. o\i reportedly expands on its themes of nature, the passing of time, and technology.

“The songs are a mix of thoughts and feelings,” he said. “I have been thinking about the future and how we might respond to it. We are sliding into a period of transition like no other, most likely triggered in three waves; AI, quantum computing and the brain computer interface.

"Artists have a role to look into the mists and, when they catch sight of something, to hold up a mirror", Gabriel continued.
"We are not, and have never been, the exclusively self-determining, independent beings that we imagine we are. We have had a sense of entitlement that everything exists for our benefit - that we’ve been given the run of the world to exploit as we see fit.

"We are something else, a part of nature, a part of everything and when we feel that connection, shake our booty and give and receive a little love, it can help us find our proper place - and put a big smile on our faces. This is how I see the lumpy bits – i/o: the inside has a new way out and o\i: the outside has a new way in.”

Gabriel's long-time bandmembers, namely guitarist David Rhodes, bassist Tony Levin, and drummer Manu Katché, feature on the album, as do newer touring bandmates. John Metcalfe's New Blood Orchestra, the Soweto Gospel Choir, and Swedish men's choir Orphei Drängar also contributed, as did various other artists. Gabriel's daughter Melanie sings backup.

Listen to the latest release below.