Depeche Mode: Sounds of the Universe

Apr 26 2009 by Paul Cole, Sunday Mercury

DEPECHE MODE

Sounds Of The Universe (Mute)

wDAVE Gahan & Co return with an album of two halves. The first set of songs is industrial, danceable and heavy in places, with single Wrong the perfect example. Elsewhere, Fragile Tension is glory days Depeche Mode and should be a future hit. By the time the album reaches Come Back, there is a noticeable shift in style – gone are the heavy beats and in their place are softer, melodic tunes. Tight security surrounded review copies of this album because of huge internet interest, and the eclectic nature of the setlist should mean it’s a hit for their fans, but it’s not a classic. JD