Depeche Mode
Memento Mori


3.7
great

Review

by Raul Stanciu STAFF
March 24th, 2023 | 128 replies


Release Date: 03/17/2023 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Never let me go.

Depeche Mode have been one of the most reliable groups, feeling as if they could go on releasing tight records forever. The unexpected hit, however, in 2022 when founding member Andrew Fletcher passed away. It was a wake-up call in a way, because as a fan, you just want to see your lifelong favorite bands active and productive for 100 years if possible. It’s especially easy to take a consistent act like DM for granted. This unfortunate event, plus the increasing time gap between Spirit and Memento Mori, became reasons to believe we might not hear from the band again. Thankfully, the two remaining members ultimately decided to regroup, in order to once more show everyone why they are a world-class act more than four decades into their career.

Their darkest tune in decades, “My Cosmos Is Mine” fittingly opens Memento Mori with stomping beats and rather ominous industrial synths. It's quite a surprise to be honest, as this could have easily been a sonic path to further explore, especially on an album with a vibe like this. The lyrical repetition and unfolding layers become mesmerizing, before dissolving into eerie sound scapes towards the end. The only pair to this excellent cut would be the final moment on the LP, “Speak to Me”. One of Gahan’s contributions and a highlight is a touching ode to lost ones, as well as pondering one’s purpose of existence. From the main melody, it gradually intensifies into a sequenced coda with glacial synths around it. The final beats share the same sound as the ones on “My Cosmos Is Mine”. They are somehow connected, the former looking inward, while “Speak to Me” seeks guidance on a similar topic. Meanwhile, “Ghosts Again” is a bittersweet ditty focusing on mortality, although the main guitar lead easily detracts from the sadness the lyrics embody. It is the catchiest single they crafted since 2005’s “Precious”.

Despite the darkness surrounding Memento Mori, most of the songs here are lighter than you would expect. Dave and Martin want to celebrate life too and appreciate the ones close to them. “Wagging Tongue” transitions from moody arpeggios to steady grooves just as we are told to relax and enjoy the ride. Then comes “My Favourite Stranger”, whose rhythm struts along and gets busier by the minute. Various sonic layers build up amid the few verses sung, leading to a feedback-laden, dissonant guitar solo at the end. It’s a familiar Depeche Mode track, yet very satisfying. Also, “People Are Good” is an interesting throwback to the Music for the Masses era, but with a darker touch overall, whereas “Always You” takes its cues from ‘80s disco with applied HEALTH filters. The haunting synths nicely embellish an otherwise simple, straightforward number. Moreover, “Never Let Me Go” shamelessly wants you to dance over its Gorillaz reminiscing, minimalist sequenced notes and Dave’s passionate performance. This is quite a change of pace from the more somber first half of Memento Mori.

Overall, the tunes’ structures follow similar formulas to Spirit (they worked again with James Ford), although benefiting from a wider sonic palette this time. They aren’t cluttered, usually driven by a beat or a synth with a couple of details at a time around them. Martin’s guitar has more presence here though, whether distorted or clean, which is a plus. Memento Mori’s biggest flaw is the middle section, as the respective songs don’t really stand out. Of course, they remain decent at the very least, “Before We Drown” being perhaps the one to return to most. Other than that, this is another solid Depeche Mode album with a handful of highlights that fans should definitely add to their playlists. If this is the last one we receive from them, it’s a fitting end. Whatever may come after, it will be a welcomed bonus.



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user ratings (187)
3.7
great
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Comments:Add a Comment 
insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
March 24th 2023


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Great stuff as usual from Depeche Mode, but I'll be the asshole to say they did better last decade.



Stream here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S698DWXhu5I&list=OLAK5uy_mrRBnob7rrQZKQNW6wPYcUZuqlf6loKAk&index=1&ab_channel=DepecheModeVEVO

Willie
Moderator
March 24th 2023


20311 Comments

Album Rating: 3.2

I am excited to hear this. I'm surprised by all the positive things I've seen about this album.

bighubbabuddha
March 24th 2023


1296 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

This is my favourite album of 2023 so far. Arguably the boys' strongest work in the 21st century ..

bighubbabuddha
March 24th 2023


1296 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

+ Cosmos is Mine, Wagging Tongues, Ghosts Again, Don't say you love me, My Favourite Stranger, Before We Drown, Always You,Never Let Me Go, Speak to me



Meh Soul with me



- Caroline's Monkey People are Good

Kaleid
March 24th 2023


760 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Really nice review. Caroline's Monkey has been divisive, but a lot of people love it. I think it's got a cool edginess to it.

They seem to have broken some of their own rules when making this one, which is good to see.

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
March 24th 2023


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Thanks. I agree, this album feels less orchestrated than usual. For some tracks they just rolled with it.



So far, Caroline's Monkey is one of my least favorites on the LP, but I am sure after multiple listens I'll get into it too. It's been the case many times with their music.

TheWatchman71
March 24th 2023


364 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Caroline’s Monkey was the only one on first listen that pulled me out of the moment. The music for the song is fine in isolation, but the lyrics just feel a bit front and centre and just out of sorts with the rest of the album. Vocal delivery is a little different too, and maybe it’s the combination of the two - but whatever it is, the song feels a little awkward and out of place in this company.

TheWatchman71
March 24th 2023


364 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

This is growing fast on me. Definitely has a very strong finish to the album. Never Let Me Go could have sprung from Joy Division’s Closer. The whole album is just one wonderful dark and mesmerising reverie. Martin and Dave vocal harmonies here are so bitter sweet, the layers and effects make for a really immersive listen, the tunes are powerful without being overstated, you can tell some real care has gone into the production. But most importantly the songs are strong. There is every chance that this could be the last DM album, and I can’t think of better final curtain. This has everything and more that I have loved about DM since coming under their spell when they dropped Black Celebration.

Sabrutin
March 24th 2023


9843 Comments


bet this rules and I won't come back to the reviews until I've had a proper jam o7

onionbubs
March 24th 2023


22239 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this has def gotten better the more spins i get. really cool album



closer may be one of their best ever ngl absolutely gorgeous tune

KillingMoon
March 24th 2023


118 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

New Depeche Mode???? So hyped!!!

DoofDoof
March 25th 2023


15983 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This is their second most consistent after Violator for me

zakalwe
March 25th 2023


40274 Comments


Blimey

DoofDoof
March 25th 2023


15983 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Music for the Masses then Black Celebration are next and both of those I only really rate 2/3rds of what's on 'em.



By the time you get to the stuff beyond that like 'Songs of F&D' and 'Exciter' I only really rate half the album

DoofDoof
March 25th 2023


15983 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

'Caroline's Monkey' and 'People are Good' are usually singled out as the 'weak tracks' here but both are actually very decent



Zak - the last song here is instant classic material

Cayit
March 25th 2023


48 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Best Album since Ultra !

Sowing
Moderator
March 25th 2023


44539 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Wait how did I miss this



Is this a new DM album that actually has a 4.1 avg?

insomniac15
Staff Reviewer
March 25th 2023


6251 Comments

Album Rating: 3.7

Didn't expect this to be so popular IMO. I'm happy though, it might pressure them to make another one lol.

ChaoticVortex
March 25th 2023


1616 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Easily their best since Playing the Angel, very consistent with some major bangers (My Cosmos is Mine, Soul With Me). Glad to see the boys still have the juice, and of course hard RIP to Andy.

EvoHavok
March 25th 2023


8090 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I've been listening to the singles a lot and the full record definitely delivered the goods.



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