REVIEW - Depeche Mode – Sounds of the Universe - Paired with Mastroleo Salice Salentino Riserva

Depeche Mode – Sounds of the Universe Paired with Mastroleo Salice Salentino Riserva

My Rating is 4 out of 5

Yeah, that’s right Martin Gore and Dave Gahan are back at it with Depeche Mode’s 12th studio album Sounds of the Universe. You have to give these boys credit for sticking with it for over 30 years (Depeche Mode was around before the Compact Disc).

So the question is… can they still kick it after such a long career?
The short answer is YES.

I had to listen to this album a few times to really gain an appreciation for it. After the first pass, I knew there was potential, but something was missing. After a few more plays I really learned to relate to Sounds of the Universe. It needs to decant a bit, trust me!

This album is very similar to most of the work they have been doing over the last 30 years (actually better than some). The only difference is a small regression in the synth technology. You will know what I mean when you listen to a few tracks; it is vintage Depeche Mode.

The common theme to this album is spacey mood syths. You actually feel as if you are taking a tour of the universe through sound. They are retro yet modern Star Trek syths. A cosmic soundscape!

The first single released was Wrong. This track has a harsh and abrasive feel to it. Dave Gahan shouts Wrong in almost every line. CLICK SONGS TO LISTEN.

Hole to Feed is a wonderful tune that has great rhythm with a razor sharp edge to it.

One of my favorite tracks on this album is Corrupt. This tune is a full throw back to Violator.

All in all, this is a very solid effort from a band that has spanned over 3 decades. It is living proof that retro will never die. It just keeps getting a bit better with age.

My pairing of this album to Mastroleo Salice Salentino Riserva 2004 is due to the light and airy feel to both. Go on, give it a try and you will see what I mean.