THEY'VE ARRIVED! Depeche Mode are finally in the States, preparing for their first show of the North American tour tonight at the DTE Energy Music Theatre in Detroit.
Coinciding with the kickoff is the release of an official video for Should Be Higher, which I imagine is their third single after Heavenand Soothe My Soul. Shot by longtime visual collaborator Anton Corbijn, the video is a live performance from one of their recent European shows. I want to say Berlin, but I don't know, that's probably bullshit; don't quote me.
The band is in top form. Compare this video to, say, one of their earliest pre-tour promo performances, and they're worlds apart. It's obvious that they've found their groove on this one. And there's frontman Dave, like an ancient Tantrika come to sweep us all into the stratosphere of bliss. Or a sexy Whirling Dervish.
The first European leg of the Delta Machine Tour is now over, marked by the July 29 show in Minsk. By now the band is settling into their three-week break before picking back up in Detroit on August 22.
As an American fan waiting impatiently for their arrival, I've enjoyed living vicariously through my European counterparts these past three months. I've followed the rhythm of the setlists and celebrated some amazing moments, but I'm cautious to delve too deeply as I want it to be fresh when I see them in September.
But I will delve balls deep into the setlist. Ohh yes. The bulk of it has remained solid with most of the variation revolving around Martin's lead numbers, my favorites beingOnly When I Lose Myself, Home, and (Martin-sung versions of) When the Body Speaks and Higher Love. Shake the Disease and Judas were also fucking great surprises, though they are still holding out on perhaps the most beloved MLG song ever, The Things You Said. Of course a drawback to their playing it would be audiences simply dying a sweet death then and there, and I can see how some people might frown upon such a thing.
So what should we expect for the American tour? I've already gone into great detail about how much I'd like to see rarer songs, but first things first. There is as yet no Sounds of the Universe representation, which I find a bit strange considering it's their second to most recent album. I'd dig it if they switched out the beaten-to-death Policy of Truth for Wrong, or perhaps Come Back. Also, two enthusiastic thumbs up to Black Celebration and Precious, but I'll take Stripped over A Question of Time and Behind the Wheel over Barrel of a Gun any day. (Better yet: It's No Good or Freestate.)
I suspect they will swap Delta track Secret to the End for Broken, especially considering the recent sharing of the in-studio version on Facebook. The rest of the hard-hitting Delta songs will likely remain.
And what about Just Can't Get Enough? Their breakthrough 1981 hit made a resurgence on this tour, and while there have been some spellbinding performances of this classic, I don't think diehard fans are as attached to it as some others. I would replace JCGE with another beloved song from the early days, like--I don't know--Blasphemous Rumours, Everything Counts, or The (Motherfuckin) Sun and the Rainfall, if they really want to turn some heads. Again with the rare songs obsession! I know! But really, I am now imagining a beefed up 2013 live version of that song, like Dominatrix's remix + real live DM, and I'm all DEAR GOD. What do you think of the tour so far? What are you most looking forward to or hoping for on the next leg of it? p.s. Zoinks! Did I mention I'm going to the Austin City Limits Festival in October? You'll hear more about that next time.
Ahh, that elusive Meet & Greet. For a big name band it can be a luxurious achievement, one that either comes with a hefty price tag or is bestowed by the hands of fate through a promotional contest or some other "lucky break." In the case of Depeche Mode, good luck is priceless.
Depeche is renowned for being pretty inaccessible, understandably so when they regularly sell out 40-50,000 capacity stadiums and their zealous fans were once dubbed the Black Swarm (though we mostly go by the more casual term 'Devotees'). In recent years, the rare Meet & Greet experience with them has become famously perfunctory, a quick handshake down a single file line and a group photo. No bullshit whatsoever.
St. Petersburg Meet & Greet; Dave (center) looking consistently uncomfortable in a sea of Russian women. Martin (left) probably digging it. Fletch (back) umm...
Of course I'm all about the bullshit and granted, there are stories of more involved Meet & Greets, but they are not for purchase with any ticket level, not available for every show, and for those that are, you must win a pass. There's a unique opportunity currently running for German fans, a United Charity auction for a Meet & Greet in Düsseldorf. Though my Deutsch is limited, I can see that the bid is up to nearly 3000 euros, quite the pretty European penny for even the most devoted fans. (Cheeky charities, dangling the carrot of Depeche Mode for their own selfish purposes!) If I paid that kind of money for a meeting with DM I'd need at least a couple of hours, and there'd better be full body massages involved. So what to do to ensure my time with a band that has ensnared me with such intensity? If they do hold a Meet & Greet in Atlanta, I believe I will be there. The tricky part will be staying aware of the fan contests, as I don't live in ATL so am not exposed to the local radio. But if there is no organized meeting? Doing the classic waiting out back by their tour equipment seems pointless, as they likely have intelligent escape routes and don't tour by bus anyway. The next point would be running into them at their hotel. (Not creepy. Not.) Comment below if you've ever had the chance to meet DM, through the official channels or otherwise. :D *Photos courtesy of the Depeche Mode World Tour 2013-2014 Facebook page
It's been a few weeks since I last blogged, so I want to give y'all an idea of what's going on over here. Firstly, Depeche Mode is a good month into their Delta Machine World Tour, and they appear to be in great shape. European audiences are leaving arenas triumphantly teary-eyed, and the photos I've seen of these performances look delightful. I'm really digging the stage design by Anton Corbijn (as usual). Their setlist had found a comfortable, unchanging rhythm over the last couple weeks, but I predicted they would be pulling out some surprises for the two London shows this week. Sho nuf, they did. Check out the May 29 setlist here, which includes the long-beloved "Behind the Wheel" and "World In My Eyes," among others. This pleases me. I'm confident that by the time they get to me in September the setlist will be as titillatingly unpredictable as Martin Gore's preferred gender for the night. In other news, Trent Reznor has been a busy beaver this year, not only releasing an album with his new band How to Destroy Angels, but he's also been recording a new Nine Inch Nails album, the first since '08, which he's kept under wraps but says is now complete. Looks like he'll be combining HTDA and NIN tours this year, which as of yet includes only five US dates. But wouldn't ya know it, Asheville is one of them! The first ever Mountain Oasis Electronic Music Summit this October, which will boot Moogfest to next spring, is being headlined by Nine Inch Nails (along with Bassnectar and Pretty Lights); How to Destroy Angels are also in the lineup. This is a major pull for the newborn festival. After their appearances in AVL, the Reznor machine heads to New Orleans to throw down at Voodoo Fest. Since their album release in March, Thom Yorke's new band Atoms for Peace has tinkered with a few shows and DJ sets on both sides of the Atlantic, but this July they'll embark on a proper little 24-date tour. They've got just six US dates on tap between a heavy European and Japanese rotation. The closest show to me will be a seven hour drive to Fairfax, VA (random?), but I might just go if they don't add anything closer. I've never seen Radiohead or any Thom Yorke incarnations live, and I simply don't want to wait much longer. Nothing new on the Radiohead front. Word is still that they'll be heading into the studio this fall (there is a break between AFP shows from the end of July to the end of September) to begin work on their ninth album. Seriously can't wait for more news on that. As for a personal report, I haven't been to many shows lately, but I did see Bob Dylan last month here in Asheville! I never properly reviewed it, but I will tell you I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone was saying he's so old and not giving any fucks and all that, but he put on a good show. I drifted in and out of engagement because I didn't recognize the majority of his setlist (and I was a bit wobbly from whiskey), but he did play a few classics, and he did rock it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The man's a legend, you ungrateful little shits. K LOVE YOU BYE! Next time: Reflections on Slash's autobiography, groupiedom, and I sit down to consciously listen to the Rolling Stones for the first time in my life. No, really.
Last night's promotional performance at the Troubadour in LA was a newsworthy event among Depeche Mode Devotees, not only because the Troubadour is a small club with an intimate capacity of roughly 400--a crowd that's about 50x smaller than their typical arena--but as a Martin solo, they performed "But Not Tonight," the "Stripped" B-side-turned-US single and fan favorite, for the first time EVER. Twitter was all aflutter LIKE OMG. So this is tripping me out because for months I've been putting this idea out there that Depeche should take fan requests--or hold a contest on social media--for songs that they never or rarely play live and insert them into the Delta Machine tour. A few weeks ago I saw an interview wherein Dave mentioned they are toying with the idea of bringing back something like "Master and Servant," a 1984 single that hasn't gotten a lot of live rotation over the last 20 years. Shit, "Master and Servant" would be hot, but what about taking it further? What if they really got crazy and played songs that weren't even singles? "Blue Dress," anyone? There are so many songs in their catalogue whose themes are timeless enough--and the music fucking awesome enough--to still be relevant onstage. The time is perfect for them with the heavy promotion they're doing for Delta Machine. And let's be real, they're not out there playing to 15,000 people who just heard "Enjoy the Silence" on the radio and were like "cool." They are and have for years been playing to--no, communing with--their loyal following. They really want to melt us into frothing pools of black leather, they'll drag some "Here is the House" or "I Want You Now" out of the dark closet. Which rare songs would you most want to see on Delta Machine World Tour? On Twitter, hashtag #machineforthemasses and let everyone know! Follow me on Twitter: @KTKimball
There's some anxiety that surrounds the upcoming album of one of your favorite bands. You follow the news and hype it up in your mind, praying it's good not only because you personally want to get off on their beautiful novel creations, but you also don't want your family, friends and Facebook to think you're abnormally obsessed with this dud of a band. Well, world, BOOYAH, Depeche Mode proves that they are back and (maybe) better than ever with a new album thatsuccessfully kicks a lot of ass. 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
Whoo! With their second single off their highly anticipated 13th album Delta Machine, Depeche takes the Tantric route (or rapey, so I hope she consented) to spiritual expression in "Soothe My Soul":
I'm coming for you when the sun goes down I'm coming for you when there's no one around I come to your house and break down the door girl I'm shaking and I need more There's only one way to soothe my soul...
Pretty sure I'd be down for that. Anyway, I didn't know the single was being released today, and I'm so glad it was because I couldn't wait to hear more studiostuff from Delta Machine (howdya like that new word, studiostuff?). FULL DISCLOSURE: due to an abundance of shitty video streams all week, I've just now watched the March 11 "Live on Letterman" webcast, and while the ratio of new songs to classics made a nice setlist, I don't think it was their greatest performance. So it was such a treat to hear the studio version of "Soothe My Soul" this morning. "Soothe My Soul," like the sort of confusingly-issued "Angel" a few months ago, is heavily electronic. I'm pleased to hear it because we know how much of these boys' souls is in electronic music. Though it does appear to be true that with Delta Machine they are returning to a big rock and blues influence, like much of Songs of Faith and Devotion and even Violator were. But I've said before and I'll say again that I am not one of those looking to recreatethese albums. That was a dangerous time in their personal lives, and while the music that resulted is astounding, great musicians also DIE all the time in the process of making great music. From what I've seen of Delta Machine, Depeche Mode is still quite capable of making brilliant music without death and destruction and all that shite. I'll save the track-by-track analysis for the actual album release. Eleven days! Squeee! Looking forward to the music video...
OMG the day has finally come. After months of torturous waiting,Depeche Mode has announced the dates for the North American leg of their Delta Machine World Tour.
I don't want to s--- around here, so the North American tour dates are as follows:
Thursday,Aug. 22Detroit, MIDTE Energy Music Theatre
Saturday,Aug. 24Chicago, ILFirst Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
Tuesday,Aug. 27St. Paul,MNMinnesota State Fair**
Sunday,Sep. 1Toronto, ONMolson Canadian Amphitheatre
Tuesday, Sep. 3Montreal, QBBell Centre
Friday,Sep. 6Brooklyn, NYBarclays Center
Sunday, Sep. 8Wantagh, NYNikon at Jones Beach Theater
Tuesday, Sep. 10Washington DCJiffy Lube Live
Thursday, Sep. 12Atlanta, GAAaron’s Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Saturday, Sep. 14Tampa, FLLive Nation Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds
** Minneapolis is not part of the Amazon presale opportunity.
Well, we all know where I will be September 12 then. ATL, baby! I shall be raging in unadulterated joy. Who's with me?
I shan't be surprised if dates are added, as I can't believe they have no plans for Mexico; I know their Latin fanbase is extensive and cuh-razy. Perhaps they will include those with South American dates? Kinda weird.
Tickets go on sale April 6, but on the band's tumblr there is information regarding presale tix available as early as April 1 (if you're a card-carrying Citibanker, which I thankfully am not). But check this: if you even order Delta Machine from Amazon by April 1, you could purchase tickets on April 3. Hi! Easy!
I'm ecstatic. Obviously. So to celebrate our love here is a live performance of "I Feel You," one of my favorite DM songs. It's from a few years back, but I had a very intense reaction to this video when I first saw it, so here it is. Name me a more dynamic frontman! Yow!
Electronic music legends Depeche Mode are back with the first single from their upcoming album Delta Machine, out March 26th. “Heaven” made a surprise debut on an LA radio station yesterday morning. Watch the official video on YouTube now.
The song grips my guts just as potently as their best works always have, though I think it (as well as its B-side “All That’s Mine”) falls more in line with their last two albums than their earlier classics(and I say that as someone who reeeaallly likes Playing the Angel [2005] and Sounds of the Universe [2009].) There was a blown-up comment made by chief songwriter Martin Gore that this album would sound a lot like fan favorites Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion, which has gotten a bunch of overly-sentimental fans in a tizzy because maybe this song doesn't really so much. But come on, peeps. Those albums are gorgeous, but that was 20 years ago when they were all perma-drunk and on heroin anyway. Maybe I'm just spoiled because I genuinely love most of what they've done in the last 10 years, and it's rare that a band follows up their agreeably best work with some also really excellent shit. Sober.
So, yeah, I love it. The single is gritty, raw, and mournfully beautiful, and yet it continues to affirm my idea that Depeche Mode is not a dark group, despite the pervasive idea that they are depressing. Some folks clearly don’t listen to their lyrics:
I stand in golden rays radiantly I burn a fire of love over and over Reflecting endless light relentlessly I have embraced a flame forever and ever Yeah, jeez, the bleakness. WTF, y’all. If Rumi had said it, this shit would be all over Facebook. Martin has been writing through the same meaty themes for nearly 30 years, even in, and probably because of, the depths of the band’s personal struggles: the limitless potential of the spirit, earthly redemption, universal oneness, and sweet, burning, whips ‘n’ chains love. Some call that dark; I call it faithfully insightful and majorly hot.
Delta Machine will be Depeche Mode’s 13th studio album. They kick off their supporting world tour on May 7th in Israel. North American tour dates TBA soon! HOLYSHITYAY.
