Shuroki Online

I was a little skeptical about hearing the album in fear of being disappointed, much like previous 3 releases.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear sounds and beats that I havenÆt heard since Violator in 1990.

This new album has those delightful sound samples, anomalies and noises that established Depeche Mode as the progressive band that always seems to stay a few minutes ahead of other modern bands. I can safely say that I enjoy all but about 3 songs of the 12 tracks. I noticed that traces of sounds and themes from several of the previous albums surfaced on many of the tracks. Of course æPreciousÆ is the big, beaty release, but I noticed that the sticker on the CD mentioned that Johnny Revelator may also be released as a single. This æpleasure little treasureÆ like song mixes a great strong beat with Elvis style lyrics in a way that only Depeche Mode can get away with. I can also see æPain that IÆm used toÆ travel up the charts if the US market decides to let it through.

One thing that I really like about this release is that the album once again has an identity and a statement. It was nice to hear that they are still capable of the drive and energy that has had hardcore fans starved for years. Of course, Martin Gore is still writing about sin, his current traumas with his favorite significant other, and the pisstivities he feels towards certain righteous aspects of society. And yes, for those of you who enjoy the Martin solo songs, he has 3 on there. 2 I feel belong on his next solo album. The 3rd, ôdamaged peopleö falls right in place with the likes of æBlue DressÆ, æSomebodyÆ, and æQuestion of Lustö.

ôSuffer Wellö and ôLillianö also possess a great drive, with catchy chorusÆ, keeping away from the melancholy droning that seemed to dominate in ôUltraö and parts of ôSong of Faith and Devotionö. However, if youÆre really in a SmithÆs type mood, listen to ôThe Sinner in Meö and ôNothingÆs Impossibleö, it will bring you back down feeling like Duckie waiting for Andie to return from her date with Blane the appliance in Sixteen Candles.

Overall, a refreshing mixed bag of joy, that like ôPreciousö took a only few times to really have half the album”s songs stuck in my head.