Depeche Mode is in some rarified company. Along with U2 and a few other bands, they have managed to stay both musically relevant and at the same time push massive units throughout all of the 80’s, 90’s, and even today, never repeating themselves, never going backwards, always stretching, expanding, and wandering creatively. From the beginning, and along the way, they’ve spit in the face of genre and created their own musical forms. Much of what is modern day electronica owes its roots to Depeche Mode, and their effect on the new wave, and what would become “modern” rock is undeniable as well.
You’d think after 20 plus years in the biz they’d be content to kick their feet up and stare at glow sticks, but the group is still making music and still searching for a new angle, new sounds, and new ideas. Their latest tour is, from the evidence on their latest concert DVD, Touring the Angel, a revelation. Still present is the old fire. Still there is the attention to detail, the energy, and the endless catalog of hits that you never quite realize Depeche Mode has until they start busting them out one after the other. And the new material is pretty damn impressive as well.
The concert is, visually and aurally, just incredible. I saw them at Dodger Stadium for the Violator tour, and as great as that was, and in light of the fog of retrospect, this one looked better - more vibrant, more energy, and the feast for the eyes. Their design crew, construction, the whole nine, deserve a lot of credit.
Much of the impact is a result of the polished presentation of the DVD itself. Every camera angle is spot on. Every shot gives you what you need; it pushes the music but doesn’t overwhelm it. As great as it would have been to be at this show (which was filmed in Milan), the digital image is a pretty good substitute and I’d say you actually get a better view. Obviously, nothing can replace the raw experience of being there - the crowd, the excitement, and the energy.
Article comments
1 - Mr T
This DVD is awesome Depeche Mode have to be considered to be one of the best bands in the world. I recommend watching it just for Question of time an old tune but still sounds as fresh as it did back in 86. I was at the concert and believe me they were amazing.