Dave Gahan, best known as the frontman for Depeche Mode, has been interpreting Martin Gore’s songs for years until recently. He did a very un-Depeche album, Paper Monsters and even wrote some songs for the last Depeche Mode’s last album, Playing The Angel. This time around, we’re treated to a more electronic work by Gahan, Hourglass.It’s fair to say that Hourglass is very reminiscent of Depeche Mode, especially Violator, Ultra, and Playing The Angel, but without a much trace of guitars. Well, there’s some, but definitely less dependent on them than the previously mentioned albums. Also, Gahan at times goes for a dirtier sound with a danceable beat (“Deeper and Deeper” and “Use You”), which has more in common with a Depeche Mode remix than original. “Kingdom,” one of his strongest songs, evokes Depeche Mode in its sounds and rhythm. “Miracles, a lyrically memorable song, evokes many of Martin Gore’s songs about religious doubts, though is is Gahan’s voice, not Gore’s.
In Paper Monsters, Gahan worked out his inner demons. With Hourglass, he takes the time to own the material, tweaks a familiar sound, and has a good time with it.
Shindo’s grade: A-
Reviews for Dave Gahan’s Hourglass
Tags: Dave Gahan, Depeche Mode, Music Monday
