Depeche Mode's 12th album takes you back to the 1980s with 13 tracks of old-school digital synth pop. Far from being dated, the sound is still engaging.
Like the Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode made their name pioneering the digital sound of the decade fashion forgot, and has inspired many bands since.
The opening track In Chains starts off with what can best be described as a digital orchestra tuning their instruments. This then softly transitions into a mellow ballad with a deep bass pulse and long electric organ tones in the background.
Hole to Feed has an infectious bass beat that will have you bobbing your head before you even realise. Wrong is probably the best song on the album, with its heavier rock style and contemporary feel.
Spacewalker, the only instrumental track, is a full-blown digital throwback to the group's early days. Sounds of the Universe is like a ride in Doctor Who's Tardis: a buzzing, bleeping, whirling, retro 80s deja vu.
If this album were by a rock band, it would sound contemporary and do well in the mainstream market.