Satan_FR

In keeping with the style of Delta Machine, Spirit's compositions aim to be even more ambient and restrained. This can lead to some frustration at seeing certain songs never really take off (like the end of The Worst Crime), while other, more rhythmic moments (Scum, Your Move, Poorman) can sound a bit dated.

There's a feeling that Depeche Mode is stuck in an limited and overused formula that deserves to evolve.

Delta Machina is a mix of the sound of Sounds of the Universe and the simplicity of Exciter. There's almost a complete abandonment of the rock elements still present at times on previous albums, in order to further highlight modern electro sounds. The result is an album that sometimes feels a bit repetitive, perhaps too simplistic despite a few standout songs.

Following on from Playing The Angel, Depeche Mode brings its electronic progressive elements to the forefront with Sounds Of The Universe. It's difficult to call it a true success, as the album feels slow throughout, never really picking up speed and perhaps becoming a little too trapped in its rhythmic loops, leaving little room for anything else.

I think Wrong is quite successful in this style; there are a few others good songs, but the rest is listenable without being particularly ... read more

After the minimalist Exciter, Depeche Mode returns with an album closer to their 90s discography: more rhythmic, sometimes aggressive and sometimes ambient. Once you get past the ear-splitting intro of "A Pain That I'm Used To," the album isn't exactly revolutionary either, and I personally find it similar to Radiohead's "Hail To The Thief".

In the end, only the track Precious manages to stand out from the crowd of an otherwise enjoyable album.