25 n ‘Sunday, July 8, 2001 New Depeche Mode CD “Exciter” Is Anything But Former Electronic Pop Wizards Lose Edge, Sound Jaded EJ CARTLEDGE The News Stitt Bepores. gees hale 9 fe hay A Bice pony Bee ode tol ot bed he seu eet ioecaenee Toe Snccmeate fing: ie boc ny oak ioc bashes ee tact bas soup ase is Bega Nore ‘America and Australia. ‘The highlights have been many; 1982's baby-symth “Just Can't Get Enough” tothe 1990 anthem, “Enjoy the Silence" and the driven rock of “Barrel OC A Gun" to name afew. “It’s fair to say, though, that the Mode peaked many years ago 1990's “Violator” tw be precise - a exercise in stark sounds, cold themes and incredibly ‘catchy singles, Since then, Depeche Mode have attempted, and at times succeeded, to re- invent their sound. ‘But the 1990's were not kind to the band's personne. ‘After “Violator” and the follow-up “Songs of Faith and Devotion” sold millions, super-stardom embraced and ‘nearly destroyed vocalist Dave Gahan, He ‘overdosed on a cocktail of drugs and thea tied to kill himself, Touring was abandoned for 1997's “Ultra” and long-time band member Alan Wilder departed. Depeche Mode, for all intents and Purposes, was spent. The three remaining members, however, have resurrected the band and apparently an ‘enjoyable recording process ensued. The result isa tenth studio album which was released in May 2001, called “Exciter.” I's a remarkable choice of til, really, since this album has a studied and gentle fel which will leave the listener calm and reflective, as 10, well. excited. Whereas “Ultra” featured crisp ‘roduetion, authentic drums and wicked Raa hah La ‘The standout track is undoubtedly “Breathe,” rare solo vocal slot for songwriter Gore. The simple guitar run and play on Biblical characters is Depeche at ‘their best -hypaotic and dramatic. Not quite reaching previously attained ‘heights, “Exciter” is unlikely to win the ‘r0up new fans. I's a solid labor of love. Itmay well be Depeche Mode's last