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Exciter Depeche Mode |
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The early moments of "Dream On," the fast climbing first single, echo the sentiments of "Stripped" in a casual but plausible way, and a soft and subtle blend of acoustic soul… and Depeche Mode embarks on their latest journey, a resonant return that evokes the dawning of "Violater," and the majesty of invention these forerunners of '80s Modern Rock and Synth-Pop ecstasy lingering in the romantic haze caught flush between Gothic beauty and forbidden passion… emotionalist exuberance, and "Exciter" is immediately felt, embraced by all-"The Sweetest Condition," furthering the lushness of harmony, a lyrical embrace- "Knocked to the ground by the subtle thunder… wandering around in silent wonder…" in a convoluted yet gentle arrangement… Twenty years after "Speak And Spell" first signaled the start of something big in the realm of modern music, sixteen albums later the team of Gahan, Gore and Fletcher continue to meet the challenge presented them, first by peers, then by the unforgiving hands of time. For the first quarter, "Exciter" does so in the gentlest of terms, ballads delivered with sincerity and their usual noteworthy Pop essence before "The Dead Of Night" turns up the heat a notch in a "Personal Jesus" stylization where singer and band take a first person plunge onto the momentary cutting edge, fading to a minute long hush, "Lovetheme" (instrumental) before crossing the wires again for the massive "Freelove," a sonic thrill ride that weaves, dips, rises and perfectly embodies the many faces of a band that's lived on the edge of diversity, restrained only in their collective identity, performers of a different light, flickering, glowing, fading… and such is the collective effect of "Exciter," featuring an evolving band, rediscovering their soul. Delivering their first studio release since '97s "Ultra" and realizing the replenished well is indeed a bountiful source of inspiration, even after the time away. "Exciter" exudes an elegant charm that lights the darkness, sometimes letting go, sometimes beholding the flame of a past life that's never meant to fade off too quickly… a slight return aimed toward a limitless future. Released by Reprise Records Review by Vinnie Apicella
[va85@columbia.edu] |