Depeche Mode are an institution. A band with legendary status, which they fully deserve. A band with thousands of loyal fans…at times more loyal than even Manowar’s army of heavy metal brothers and sisters. A band responsible for one of the best chapters in British music history….A band on whose albums the wonderful Mute Records has always depended in order to finance their more commercially unviable acts. Most important though, is the absolutely unbreakable and almost cosmic bond between Depeche Mode and their fans. Whatever may happen and wherever they go, Dave Gahan and co. will always be playing to full houses and not a single critics review can ever change that – for they have well and truly transcended the stage where their success depends on the media – and that is one hell of an achievement. It’s precisely for this reason that instead of offering you yet another hack’s review of the band’s new album, we’ll let the fans speak, as we list a few opinions of Depeche diehards with almost encyclopedic knowledge of the band. The general opinion amongst those people, to whom this band means more than their very own lives, seemed to be that “Sounds of the Universe” is “not a bad album”. Here are some quotes: “Martin’s mad! He can do whatever the hell he wants, even if this album isn’t all that. When you give it a few spins though, there are some pretty good tracks on it. I think it’ll be very interesting to see them performed live, because Depeche are very good live…” “It’s not bad. It’s got a shinier sound and vibe to it. It’s more electro, reminds me a bit of their early stuff, from the early 80s. Strange that Martin only sings one song on this one….” – Spas Shurulinkov “Not bad at all. Reminds me a bit of Violator, but without the darkness. This one’s sort of more optimistic!” “It’s very cosmic! They can never make a weak album anyway. This one’s not bad at all. People in the Uk usually prefer their early stuff, especially in the clubs in Soho” – Frankie D, promoter, Flag Promotions Yes, the album definitely has a more “optimistic” vibe to it, perhaps the reason being Martin Gore’s abstinence from alcohol. As he himself says: “I fell into the trap of thinking I couldn’t be prolific unless I was drinking, or on some drug. But I’ve been far more prolific and focused since I stopped.” Another interesting development on this album is Dave Gahan’s graduation to co-songwriting duties. “I’ve no problem being the sub. I was in the lockeroom for years. I’m on the bench now and I get to come on and play for the last 10 minutes or so…” My personal favourites from SOUNDS OF THE UNIVERSE are the opening track “In Chains”, current single “Wrong” and the fantastic instrumental “Spacewalker”