Sutton Caba-Bodie ’24
EE Staff Writier
For those who may not know, Depeche Mode, an international best-selling rock band, hit the charts with their new album, Memento Mori.
While this band may be more of our parents’ style, anyone who’s a fan of rock and roll or similar genres can enjoy their music as well. You may have even heard some of their songs such as “Enjoy the Silence”, “Personal Jesus”, “Black Celebration”, or “Behind the Wheel”. And even if you don’t enjoy their music, their impact on the music industry is reason enough to learn and follow their story.
Starting in the ‘80s in England, they began experimenting with synthesizers as the popularity of electronic music rose. Inspired by artists such as David Bowie, The Clash, Sparks, The Talking Heads, Prince, and many more, they began to create their own unique music and broke boundaries.
Throughout the years, Depeche Mode’s music has ranged from synth-pop, electronic rock, new wave, dance-rock, post-punk, alternative rock, and pop rock, and have experimented with many more genres. They are said to have “taken the underground electronic club sounds of early ‘80s and expanded them to stadium-sized levels within a decade”. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame only 2 years ago and have sold around 100 million records worldwide.
And now, with their new album Memento Mori, they’re adding to their success, but that did not come easy. The album was written by David Gahan and Martin Gore, two out of the three main bandmates of the group. The relationship between Gahan and Gore had always been rocky, and with Andy “Fletch” Fletcher, a founding band member, taking a temporary break, strong doubts were raised on whether the album would ever be completed.
Unfortunately, in 2022 while the album was still being worked on, Fletcher died unexpectedly. He had played a crucial role in the band, especially when it came to “tempering egos and keeping the ship sailing”. Gahan and Gore, as well as past members of the band and their fans, were deeply gutted by this loss. After deep consideration, Gahan and Gore continued to work and perfect their project, now with the added meaning of Fletcher’s passing. As a result, the two drew closer together.
The album was finally released on March 24, 2023, featuring 12 tracks. Their single Ghosts Again has reached No. 20 on UK charts and other music critics are calling the album their best work in this century, but not without its flaws and far from the quality of their best hits. But all critics seem to agree: the album highlights a balance of melancholy and joy inspired by their journey of finding a new level of stability, seeking meaning to life during COVID, introducing new sounds to the band, and representing a tale of resilience.
Additionally, while this album is one of their few releases of new music, the band consistently performs across the world with their last full-length tour being in 2018. With their 2023 tour, the duo continues to sell thousands of tickets and fill stadiums, bringing together people with their music. Their almost two-hour set features over four decades and 15 albums of their discography and celebrates Fletcher’s life and memory.
While the future of Depeche Mode is far from clear, this album has given fans and critics a peak into what might be in store. Despite tragedy and challenges, Gahan and Gore have seemingly chosen to get closer and experiment with new ways to approach their music.