Delta Machine

Great sensation grew up between the fandom all around the world when Depeche announced their upcoming album ‘Delta Machine‘. Now when it’s finally out all I can say is that it’s another great work by Depeche Mode, despite the fact that the album itself has its highs and lows.

I’d like to start with the fact that I mostly grew up listening to the 80’s bands, including Depeche Mode. I know a great number of their songs and I can really compare, but I must admit that even in this decade of music, which seems to me that it lack the creativity, the boys (better to say men) have still they original sound, that no one can copy.

With the first single ‘Heaven’ released, no one knew what to except. It was an unusual choice for the band. They used to have some fresh and dark songs as singles not something as slow as ‘Heaven’. However I fell in love with it immediately. Their second single released ‘Soothe My Soul’ was my favourite song from the album, before it was released as a single. It’s fresh and catchy.

Aside from singles, the album is as dark as it is bright. Lyrically their songs are usually very deep and people need know to know something about the band before understanding it perfectly. The highlights for me: “Sometimes I slide away – silently. I slowly lose myself - over and over. Take comfort in my skin – endlessly. Surrender to my will - forever and ever.“ (Heaven)

It’s obvious that Mr Dave Gahan and Martin Gore haven’t lost their way of writing. Andy Flatcher showed his talent while using the synthesizers. The highlights are ‘Soft Touch/Raw Nerve’ and ‘Should be higher’. The songs have a potential to be remembered and are closely related to the older sound of Depeche Mode. Aside from the relatively fast songs, there are slow ones like ‘Always’, ‘Broken’ or ‘The Child Inside’. The songs are fine though ‘The Child Inside’ is kind of Martin Gore vocal contribution to the record. It’s not initially bad, but sounds different to the rest of the album. As I’ve mentioned before the album has both – ups and downs.

After few years without any new album, Depeche Mode is back. In my opinion Depeche Mode albums need time to get under your skin. It would be better to review them after half of a year with a brighter perspective for the sound. They’re like fine wine that needs time to be ripen.

Suggested listening: Soft Touch/Raw Nerve, Alone, Soothe My Soul