MUSIC NEWS - Electro legends Depeche Mode have announced the release of their anticipated new studio album, Sounds Of The Universe for April 20 [21-USA], 2009 via Mute Records/EMI. The album was recorded in Santa Barbara and NYC with Depeche Mode returning to vintage gear, from analogue synthesizers to drum machines, in order to create the retro-futuristic arrangements featured on the album. Lyrically the release contains many of the group's enduring obsessions plus more black humor than any of their previous albums.

Like their 2005 release, Playing the Angel, Sounds Of The Universe features writing credits for both Martin Gore, the group's primary songwriter, and Dave Gahan who after two solo albums, has earned his place as Depeche Mode's second writer. The release also marks a reunion between the band and producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Doves, Elbow), who worked with the band to help give the album its timeless sound. The first single from the new release, "Wrong," grabs the listener's attention from its first stack-heeled, staccato shriek. Over stomping beats, screeching synthesizers, and Dave's overlord chant, "Wrong" already feels like a Depeche Mode classic. Other standout tracks include Martin's velvet-lined Scott Walker croon on the sensual lounge-music ballad "Jezebel," to the sci-fi gospel-blues hymn "In Chains" and "Hole To Feed," which marries modern electronics to a floor-shaking, bone-rattling Bo Diddley beat.

Depeche Mode will be announcing additional album details and tour news in the coming weeks. Already, European shows have been listed, the US awaits concert news.

UPDATE 1/28/09 - Sounds of the Universe Track List-

1. In Chains

2. Hole To Feed

3. Wrong

4. Fragile Tension

5. Little Soul

6. In Sympathy

7. Peace

8. Come Back

9. Spacewalker

10. Perfect

11. Miles Away / The Truth Is

12. Jezebel

13. Corrupt



Wrong will be the first single from the album and has a April 9 release planned. The full album is due April 20th in the UK and April 21st in the USA.