An incontrovertible influence within the electro-indie music realm, Depeche Mode went from being a cult, fringe act to stadium megastars, unusual for a band that has strived to maintain its own identity. They were one of the first acts to establish a sound based completely around the use of synthesizers, and although they began their existence as a bouncy dance-pop outfit, they gradually developed a darker, more dramatic sound that ultimately positioned them as one of the most successful alternative bands of all time. In The Many Faces of Depeche Mode we will explore a different side of them, including collaborations, their side projects, their influences, plus a revision of their fantastic catalog. With fantastic artwork and remastered sound, The Many Faces of Depeche Mode is the ultima addition to the Many Faces collection, and also remember that the album is not available on streaming platforms!
In a time of sociopolitical upheaval, Depeche Mode emerged with Spirit. Dark, brooding, and painfully relevant upon its release, the collection is one of their most intense and aggressive statements, isolating the frustration, anger, tension, and dread coursing across the globe in the wake of the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Brexit. With little subtlety, Depeche Mode take aim and leave few survivors. Producer James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco, Arctic Monkeys, Florence + the Machine) revives the trio after their two prior lackluster efforts and turns Spirit into a highlight of their late era, the strongest effort since 2005's Playing the Angel. From a fiery pulpit, Dave Gahan hurls line after line chastising the masses, wondering how the world got into such a bind.