sounds of the universe (review, updated)

Has it really been 29 years? When I think of Depeche Mode, I imagine they are the same age as me, and I'm only 22 at the very most.

29 years have given us 12 albums as well as countless remixes and compilations. The boys from Basildon are masters at revisiting their old songs, shaking them up and repackaging them, yet remaining relevent. Sounds from the universe takes revisiting to a new arena.

Known for their synth-driven sound and labelled as a synth-pop band, belittled by many as the fluffballs who came out with People are people back in 80something, they've always been innovative, technologically intrepid, contemplative and wellcrafted. What I like about them is that they manage to sound like themselves with each album, which is a comfortable, welcome-home sort of feeling for their fans, and yet they explore new territory with each new record, have something new to say. They've managed to remain an underground phenomenon after nearly three decades and over 75 million albums.

Sounds of the universe offers a combination of the two: the old and the new. They went back to the old analog equipment, revisited some of the old sounds (not overall 'sound' but actual, physical sounds...the plinks and woogs of old techno music), incorporating them into their matured songwriting sensibility.

By far, the best thing about DM is the combination of Martin Gore's introspective, somewhat freaky, questioning songwriting and David Gahan's icy vocals. Dave's voice is so clear -- for all it is centre-of-the-earth deep -- it's almost impossible to sing along with him. Martin frequently provides harmonies, and while Martin's voice is trembly and and often resembles a lounge singer, the two blend so perfectly it's hard to pick out melody from harmony lines.

I vividly remember the day I first heard Songs of faith and devotion (1993) -- on cassette no less, in my car, driving down Carling Avenue -- my heart gave a great jolt in my chest at the driving percussive rhythm and Dave's raw delivery of the lyrics. My jaw dropped, and adrenaline flooded through at the ramped-up delivery...something very unexpected from a Depeche Mode album, but it was incredibly exciting. My initial response to this latest album was almost the same as that day in my little red Firefly, but for the opposite reason: it sounded familiar and much beloved. Several times now, I've wandered into the room to hear a song on this album, think it's something from their back catalogue, and remark how good it is to go back and listen to the old stuff sometimes, though Universe very definitely is an album of today.

Highlights

Sounds of the universe begins with In chains, written by Martin Gore. The melody references Black Celebration, but lyrically it reminds me of Songs of faith and devotion. The opening notes set the stage for cosmic exploration: it begins with overblown tweets and quarks of intergalactic communication, fades gently into a whirring, and we hold our breath for That Voice, which will tell us right off if this is going to be an album worth listening to or not. And indeed it is.

The first of Dave's tunesmith offerings is Hole to feed. There has been talk in music press that this album is 'spritual', and this song is one that fed such speculation. Thing is, Mode's music has always had those overtones, they've always asked the big questions of meaning and purpose, so it should come as no surprise that Gahan too, has questions of his own to answer.

The third track, Wrong, is such fun to listen to, very catchy with lyrics that trip along the tongue. Vocals are convicted, while the music chirps merrily in the background. Then Martin kicks in his harmonies, taking the song up a notch, yet somehow reminiscent of A broken frames' See you. Love it!

In sympathy could come from Violator, though it's not as dark as Sweetest perfection, or World in my eyes. The lyrics are classic Martin Gore: "You're bright, you're strong, you know your right from wrong...at least to some degree" Never really cut and dried, you never really know where he's heading. Matched by The Voice, this song is as compelling as chocolate...more than one serving, please! (making the Just can't get enough bit a perfect way to end the song)

There is occasionally a song or two on each album I will tend to skip over. On this album, it will probably be Jezebel, with Martin on lead vocals (sorry Martin, but it does often turn out to be your turn on mic that gets the axe from me) and Spacewalker, the instrumental interlude. More David, if you please.

Perfect is pretty nearly perfect. Another lovely blend of Dave on lead and Martin on harmony. Again, Martin's lyrics seem sweet and tender on the surface, but there's more than even melancholy underlying the sentiment which people often assume is the defining tone of Depeche Mode. Does he, the character in this song, really long for 'Perfect'? Hmmm....

Finally, there is Corrupt. This song would never work, could never be taken seriously if it were sung by anyone other than Dave Gahan. This fits perfectly in the Martin Gore canon of playing with the themes of innocence lost and the illusion of power. It's slightly campy but oh so fun. I hear references to Violator in the guitars (Personal Jesus) and an overtone of Songs of faith and devotion in the big sound.

A satisfying finale to a satisfying album. Well done, boys. Can't wait to see you on tour!

Stripped. Black celebration, 1986. One of my favourites, and an excellent example of that icy quality in Dave's voice, as well as Mode's innovative use of industrial sounds in melody.

Halo. Violator, 1990. Another favourite. This video illustrates their artistic colaboration with Anton Corbijn, (Dutch) photographer who has worked with them for years now, as well as U2, REM, Nirvana and others. Everytime I'm able to really listen to this song, the lyrics speak powerfully to me. Dave's vocals here exemplify how he can sound like ice and warm butter all at once.

Wrong. Sounds of the universe, 2009. Obvious analog soundscape with contemporary songwriting. Depeche Mode are still going strong!

In sympathy. Sounds of the universe, 2009. Everything lines up for me on this one, making it my current fav of the album: lyrics, structure, musical references, vocals...Depeche Mode, ladies and gentlemen!