If you were Andy Fletcher, Dave Gahan, and Martin Gore, a trio that has been together nearly thirty years what would you do? One hundred million records sold, critically acclaimed albums, sold-out world tours, and some of the most important records in rock and roll history. Well, if I were them, I would be living in a little villa and doing whatever I felt like doing. Fortunately, I’m not them and what they have chosen to do is not rest on their laurels and fade into the annals of rock history. So says Sounds of the Universe, so shall it be.
Opening with the gentle, almost ambient, vibe of “In Chains,” Sounds of the Universe enters the atmosphere with a whimper instead of a bang. Easily my least favorite song on the album, I was immediately reminded of the sub-par Exciter album. The album turns around almost instantly though as “Hole to Feed” hits the dance floor. Not unlike Dave Gahan’s solo work or the deep, instinctual sound of albums like Black Celebration and Ultra, the song is at once recognizable as the mighty Depeche Mode. “Wrong,” the guitar driven “Fragile Tension,” and the anthemic “Peace” back up the statement quite ably, reminding the world that this band should never be counted out. Perhaps the band’s most powerful work here is the eight minute, fifty-nine second epic that ushers you out of the album. Entitled “Corrupt,” this is easily one of the strongest tracks in the band’s catalog. It’s length alone is a surprising risk but its moody storyteller approach and rock and roll swagger is beyond amazing.
Overall this is not Depeche Mode’s best overall work. What it is though is a good representation of their legendary career. Elements of all their classic albums can easily be found in abundance and the band sound great as a unit. Sounds of the Universe is free flowing and loose sounding, both of which are not terms usually associated with electronic based music, let alone Depeche Mode. It takes a bit of getting used to, to be completely honest. When all is said and done though this is another worthy album that fans should run out and buy immediately. Longtime fans will be well-satisfied and if there is any justice in this world, Sounds of the Universe will win the band plenty more.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
