DEPECHE MODE Playing The Angel (Mute) ****
[The Ticket Magazine (The Irish Times),14 October 2005. Words: Sinéad Gleeson.]
If, like me, you were disappointed with Depeche Mode’s last two albums and fear another cul-de-sac of industrial gloom – relax. Playing The Angel resurrects the acme days of Violator, and single Precious will remind many of Enjoy The Silence. DM’s double hinge of Gore and Gahan change tack, with Gahan challenging Gore’s songwriting monopoly by penning three tracks. Their songs have always been a twisted braid of pain and hope, presented via retro beats and analog synths. The light/dark plots resurface, seesawing between redemption and rocking out. On Suffer Well, Gahan’s voice is as deep and murky as the title – and sounds better than ever. Damaged People hints at the Orient and The Darkest Star is cosmic bliss. Playing The Angel? More like playing a blinder.
[The Ticket Magazine (The Irish Times),14 October 2005. Words: Sinéad Gleeson.]
If, like me, you were disappointed with Depeche Mode’s last two albums and fear another cul-de-sac of industrial gloom – relax. Playing The Angel resurrects the acme days of Violator, and single Precious will remind many of Enjoy The Silence. DM’s double hinge of Gore and Gahan change tack, with Gahan challenging Gore’s songwriting monopoly by penning three tracks. Their songs have always been a twisted braid of pain and hope, presented via retro beats and analog synths. The light/dark plots resurface, seesawing between redemption and rocking out. On Suffer Well, Gahan’s voice is as deep and murky as the title – and sounds better than ever. Damaged People hints at the Orient and The Darkest Star is cosmic bliss. Playing The Angel? More like playing a blinder.