Depeche Mode -"Songs of Faith & Devotion"



The Depeche Men are back! It's been three years since their last release "Violator" and Depeche has a new sound. By injecting their clean electronic synthpop rhythm with acoustic instruments, Depeche has created a new techno-funk medium. Guitars lend power to "I Feel You" and a string accompaniment emphasizes tenderness in Martin Gore's solo "One Caress." The LP contains ten tracks in total, ranging from delicate, to pounding, to passionate. In "Condemnation," one of my favorite tracks on the album, David Gahan's angelic voice rings out a passionate plea: "Condemnation, Why? Because my duty, Was always to beauty, And that was my crime." The lustful, yet sensitive "In Your Room" has incredible rhythm and creates a swirling hypnotic effect by the use of a heart-pounding base and repetitive words. "In your room, Your burning eyes, Cause flames to arise. Will you let the fire die down soon, Or will I always be here? Your favorite slave. I'm hanging on your words, living on your breath, feeling with your skin, Will I always be?"

"Songs of Faith and Devotion" is an enormous accomplishment for Depeche Mode. Its instrumental diversity largely separates it from their previous releases and represents a new interweaving of their strong British background and David Gahan's Los Angeles influence. n



Review by C. K., Franklin, MA