depeche mode - sounds of the universe (mute)
April 21, 2009
For the past few decades, Depeche Mode have been recognized as innovators of the electronic music form. Inspiring everyone from The Cure to Pet Shop Boys and back via Nine Inch Nails, there are few electronic acts that haven't, at some point, cited Depeche Mode as being an influence. 'Sounds Of The Universe' is the most recent studio album from the boys who took their name from a French fashion magazine and, although it isn't their strongest album, is certainly an interesting collection of songs. You would struggle to find the obvious singles on 'Sounds Of The Universe', the lead single 'Wrong' being one of the few immediate tracks on the album. There are some other more accessible moments although always with that darker Depeche Mode skew, namely tracks like 'Hole To Feed', 'Corrupt' and 'Peace'. Where 'Sounds Of The Universe' does fall down is in the arrangements; too many distorted drums and electronic disco-farts litter the songs hiding the real beauty of the tracks behind a wall of over the top noise. Stripped to the bone a little bit more, these tracks would've been given far more room to breathe. The album is available in not one but three formats - the standard CD, the CD and DVD format or the absolutely deluxe, limited edition 3CD, 1DVD and 2 book edition which, on design ascetics alone, is well worth the investment.
http://www.depechemode.com/
