One record at a time: 69. Depeche Mode - Black Cleberation

The documentary that accompanies the collector's edition of this album features footage of Dave Gahan saying something to the effect of: "We're a metal band that uses synthesisers." In saying this, I don't think Dave is suggesting they plough the same furrow as Ministry, DAF and Skinny Puppy. I think he is comparing them to musical behemoths like Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slayer. 

 

Around the time of "Black Celebration" Depeche Mode began portraying themselves as a guitar wielding, leather clad rock band and not a bunch of fey boys from Basildon singing about pretty boys. My feeling is that this 'rock' facade was employed to distance them from their previous pop orientated output and point to a new found credibility.

 

Yet, there's plenty of synth pop on this record and no matter how you hear it, there isn't a trace of metal sensibilities to be found. The title track is a good introduction to the new sound, but the real action starts with the pulsating darkwave of "Fly On The Windscreen". This song definitely deserved to be elevated above the status of a b-side and whilst I prefer some aspects of the original version, the "Final" mix presented here has an irresistible sheen. 

 

The sounds employed on these songs have moved away from the naive clattering 'found sound' ethos of earlier sample driven efforts and matured into a finely balanced sound palette. Whilst co-producer Gareth Jones flippantly commented that the assumption was that reverb equated to atmosphere, the mix on this album is superb. The only exception to this is ballad "Sometimes" which has a beautiful ambience which is then ruined by the delay on Martin's vocal. I can live with it, but I'd much prefer it wasn't there. My favourite track is "It Doesn't Matter Two" which marries a great song to some excellent electronic music. 

 

A sure sign of a strong album must be when the second side of the disc opens with two consecutive singles. Whilst "A Question of Time" is upbeat and darkly melodic, "Stripped" is a ponderous and menacing song based around a sample of a motorbike engine. It may not sound like a single with any commercial appeal from that description - but it is an effective track. The remaining tracks are all entertaining with "New Dress" being a standout. I'm so used to the CD of this album that I still expect to hear bonus track "Breathing in Fumes" starting as the final track plays out and the needle hits the label. Not a flawless album, but definitely one that suits my tastes. 5/5