Sound Advice: Depeche Mode's Memento Mori

Dave Gahan and Martin Gore get back to basics, and the result is one of the best Depeche mode records in recent memory.

Longtime readers may recall that I reviewed 100 new (to me) records last year. Because I’m a glutton for punishment love music, I’m doing it again this year. This is the latest in the series.

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Good morning!

Today we’re taking a look at Depeche Mode’s latest release, Memento Mori

There comes a point in any career when an artist or band must decide whether to hang it up or keep going. And by keep going, I mean actively make new music- not just continue on autopilot for 30 years “playing the hits” and charging hundreds of dollars for it. 

At this stage, Depeche Mode could’ve gone either way. And, really, I don’t think anyone would’ve blamed them for ending things. The band itself (now a duo) is in its 40s; its members are in their 60’s. They really don’t have much left to prove. And that doesn’t even touch on the passing of Andy “Fletch” Fletcher last year.