When Depeche Mode release a new album, it will never not be huge. Much like the expectations that come with it. Their 14th studio album „Spirit“ is no exception from that. But the biggest surprise about this album is that there are no surprises. At least not musically speaking. It’s got the signature synthie sounds that even in 2017 sound like they were recorded with a legendary Yamaha DX7, a synthie-pop staple from the 80s. And of course there’s Dave Gahans unmistakable voice and the occasional backup from Martin L. Gore. The first single „Where’s the revolution“ is the poster child of a Depeche Mode song; catchy melody, moving rhythm and a sing-along guarantee. Compared to that, the other songs on the album seem darker and more on the melancholic tip. So far so typical. What really stands out about these 12 new songs are the lyrics. Unusually socio-critical and politically involved, Depeche Mode make it a point to share their view on current problems in our political system and society.
While this level of consistency may seem like a lack of creativity or missing new impulses to some listeners, it is a actually a distinguishing quality from most other modern bands. Especially in times where everything is in constant change and reinvention, they create a feeling of trust and home by staying true to their roots. Listening to „Spirit“ almost feels like meeting an old friend after years of not seeing each other. You meet, and it’s just like the old times, no awkward silence, no embarassing pauses. Just a lot of laughter and closeness that can never be broken by a few years of absence.
800 fans were invited to the Berlin Funkhaus to share this exact feeling in an intimate setting for the Telekom Street Gigs. For a band that fills entire stadiums within minutes, that’s almost like having them play in your living room. Naturally the anticipation and excitement to be part of such a unique experience were through the roof. Tickets could only be won; but for everyone who wasn’t able to get their hands on one of the coveted tickets, a global livestream covered the entire show.
But it wasn’t just the fans who felt the excitement. In an interview before the event, Dave Gahan said the experience would be equally special for the band. It had been a while since they last played in a setting as intimate, as close to the audience, as this. Even as a band with decades of experience, that can get your nerves tingling and your pulse going. With that being said, it came as no surprise that the tension was high and the air was thick with excitement from the moment the doors opened. And then the show finally began. The band entered the stage under frenetic applause to the sound of „Going backwards“, a song from the new album. And there it was again, that feeling of home. Dave Gahan looked great in red and black and seemed to not have lost any of his sex appeal or his signature proud walk and hip swing. And of course there were also Andrew Fletcher, who periodically hit the keys but otherwise opted for mainly clapping along to the songs, and Martin L. Gore, who still looks like his own younger brother. Due to the fact that „Spirit“ had been released just hours before the gig, the audience had a bit of a hard time to find their groove at first; but once the first beats of „A barrel of a gun“ resounded, they seemed all the more ecstatic and ready to show the band what real Depeche Mode fans are made off. Unfortunately, by the time everybody was done warming up their vocal chords and recovering from the shock of being this close to their idols, the whole thing was already coming to an end. Nobody was really ready to leave and so some people stuck around and shared the stories about their first Depeche Mode experiences and how many of them followed once they were hooked. What remains is the pleasant anticipation for the official tour, which it seems, everybody in the room has already bought a ticket for. And one other thing remains- the memory of an incredible reunion of long lost friends. We missed you guys!
Watch the full show here:
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Kate Rock
This article was also featured on FastForward Magazine
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For me nothing tops music on the road. With the breeze in your hair and the radio on extra loud, you see the world in a completely different light. Sometimes euphoric, sometimes upsetting, but always something special. Suddenly your ears fill your mind with memories both good and bad and that’s something not many things can do.
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