by Ian McIvor
One of the most influential electronic bands, Depeche Mode returns for their 15th album Memento Mori, following their induction in the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame in 2020. This album is the first recorded as a duo, as founding member Andy Fletcher passed away just prior to recording the album. For Memento Mori, Depeche Mode continue to work with James Ford, who produced 2017’s Spirit, and Italian producer and recording engineer Marta Salogni.
What Worked
Memento Mori sees Depeche Mode return to the introspective lyrics. The passing of Fletch no doubt had an impact on the recording, as the album takes a somber and reflective approach with Dave Gahan and Martin Gore focused on the music they want to represent them as the band is heading into its final act.
Martin Gore shares songwriting credit with Richard Butler (of The Psychedelic Furs). This began as a sharing of ideas between the two earlier in the pandemic. Though how much was used in the final album is not necessarily a concern for fans, as the songs themselves sound like Depeche Mode songs. While there may have been a possibility of releasing them as a side project, using them as Depeche Mode songs gets them the attention they deserve as this is a fine collaboration.
In addition to writing “Wagging Tongue” with Gore, Dave Gahan worked with touring musicians Christian Eigner and Peter Goredeno on writing “Before We Drown” and on “Speak to Me” with producer James Ford and Marta Salogni. Like previous albums, his songs helps provide another facet to Depeche Mode and greatly contributes to the album as a whole.
With a vast and influential back catalogue, Depeche Mode has always felt the need to keep moving and innovating, while recording new albums at a consistent schedule and perusing individual projects in-between. This is something other 80’s contemporaries have failed to do, as U2 is dangerously tiptoeing the line trading in on past glories, and bands like New Order and The Cure continue to tour with albums far and few between. Memento Mori will please fans and continue to challenge their opinions and expectations of the band.
What Didn’t Work
The biggest question that always arises with long-standing bands is “Does this music hold up and is it as great as the classic material?” Depeche Mode is no exception to this rule, further compounded by a vocal section of the fan base pleading for Alan Wilder’s return to the group. Unfortunately, this does Memento Mori a disservice, as it is perhaps the group’s finest album since 2005’s Playing the Angel. Memento Mori shows that Dave Gahan and Martin Gore can successfully work as a duo and collaborate without Fletch as a middle man. Hopefully the album and tour will leave the duo motivated to continue on past 2023.
The only question remaining will be how the material selected for the tour will translate live and resonate with the fans and audiences when played alongside the classic material, something that has been a big concern with the past few albums and tours with one or two exceptions. The slower and reflective approach with the songs on Memento Mori may be a hindrance in a live environment as Dave Gahan loves to work with the audience and feeds off their energy. Especially with the tour start coinciding with the album launch instead of allowing time for fans to fully discover and discuss the songs.
While Memento Mori does not add to the secured legacy of Depeche Mode, it is a fine addition to their discography.
Depeche Mode - Memento Mori