April 19, 2001
Depeche Mode : Dream On
A functional first single from an expansive and adventurous album.
After a decade wracked by overdoses, bust-ups and nervous breakdowns, the Mode's first
all-new album since their drug-scarred 'Ultra' four years ago
dips a toe in the water in the
shape of this broody spaghetti western soundscape. It begins unplugged and naked with a finger-picking guitar, and Dave Gahan in breathy, sombre mood. One minute later, the elemental passions and stark electronics
kick in, with dark allusions to parasites and body horror. This is a stripped-down Modeworld, shorn of Spinal Tap self-parody, and reconnected to their techno-pop roots by LFO/Björk producer Mark Bell. A functional first single from an expansive and adventurous album.
Stephen Dalton
NEW! For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our brand new sister site, NME Video.








Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page