Delta Machine is finally here, and it's an eargasm. There's no doubt about that. The soundscape is confident and full, the production is superb with no fluff, and the songwriting drips with the usual sensuality but is much more mature, like they're passing the point of searching and are now basking in whatever it is they've been finding. Delta illustrates beautifully their humanly up-and-down evolution from snazzy synth-pop stars to straight up electronic music elders.
Chief songwriter Martin Gore's deep affection for electronics, DJing, as well as down 'n dirty guitar is steeped in this album in a major way. He really goes all out here; while he's participated in a few solo and co-productions over the last few years, it's clear that Depeche is still that really potent avenue for his expression, and he delivers in a clever variety of ways.
Frontman and sometimes songwriter Dave Gahan's vocals are strong and energetic, as they've always been, but it's obvious how far he's come from the desperation of the Songs of Faith and Devotion and Ultra days. In fact all the boys are healthier all-around, and while Martin may be writing the "same song over and over again," he's been doing it in 3D consciousness.
1. "Welcome To My World" -- This heavily synthesized, bassy lil thing is a very alluring opener and in its lyrics pretty much sums up the electric feeling of a new love and/or Depeche Mode fandom. Welcome to your world? Why thank you, don't mind if I do.
2. "Angel" -- I like this song more than ever since its weird kind of release months ago; the time signatures swing heroically back and forth, the verses are hard and glitchy yet pair lovingly with soaring, lyrical choruses of redemption. Bang! Win! I do have an aversion to the too-easy song title though.
3. "Heaven" -- A moody but joyful ballad that acted as the album's first official single, though no one's quite sure why. It's a funny thing, as it doesn't quite represent what the rest of the album can do, but we all know it's very nice, nonetheless.
4. "Secret to the End" -- The first of three tracks written by Dave Gahan and sound engineer Kurt Uenala. The heavy, angry synths drive the breakup lyrics. I'm mostly pleased with Dave's continued relationship with songwriting, which has been consistent over the last three albums.
5. "My Little Universe" -- This crept up on me and has become one of my favorite tracks on Delta Machine. It begins very simplistically, with blips and pings like something by Thom Yorke, but it really builds to an intense, '90s rave-style techno groove. It's such a familiar and comforting sound (even though I was still wearing footie jammies during the early rave days), and I wish it were longer. Also, like many Martin Gore songs, the lyrics sound like the words of a man who is ever searching for greater spiritual, self-awareness. I don't know if I could handle this song on good drugs.
6. "Slow" -- A really slinky number about slow, sexy sex. I mean, what else is there to say? I heard Martin actually wrote this song around SOFAD time but just recorded it now. Hot.
7. "Broken" -- It wasn't immediately obvious to me what a great pop melody this song has, but it really does, and now I see good things for this already sadly ignored track. Written by Dave and Kurt Uenala.
8. "The Child Inside" -- A slow, eerie song of lament that we will love very much because it's Delta's only one sung by the beautiful Martin L Gore, but there's not a whole ton going on in it.
9. "Soft Touch/Raw Nerve" -- This song pounds and rocks in a not too complex way that gives it a very early '80s feel. If they beef this one up a little bit it will probably be fun live.
10. "Should Be Higher" -- The third song co-written by Dave and Kurt and also one of the most solid on the already strong album. A sensual, energetic beat moves the gloomy chord progression as Dave flows between his gritty baritone and falsetto. Sure to be a crowd favorite for years to come.
11. "Alone" -- Another lyrically sad beauty driven by Dave's stalwart voice. I just love the Dave/Martin harmonization on the bridge. The end seems to ride on without conclusion, reflecting the whole tone of the song, like "yeah, I couldn't fix you. Shit."
12. "Soothe My Soul" -- The second single and a heavy hitter with a stomping beat and an almost annoyingly catchy chorus. This is undoubtedly going to tear arenas up around the world. See my previous post on this song (I realize now this has not yet been officially released as a single, it just got leaked).
13. "Goodbye" -- This song begins with that twangy, "Freestate"-style outlaw guitar riff, but it somehow culminates in a really intense electro-angelic harmony. Like, third-eye-blowing intense. From "Welcome" to "Goodbye," it wraps this courageous album up powerfully. I'm glad they've remembered that that's the only way to do it.
Whew! Should I stop? I should stop. Buy Delta Machine now for the official release March 26. Go see them on tour. Just, yeah. Do it.
xx
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