Electro-Pop
Album Review: Depeche Mode – Spirit
Wherever you stand in the post-Brexit, post-Trump, post-facts era, one thing’s certain: the world hasn’t felt this messed up in decades. But while streets fill with protesters, the airwaves are strangely empty of dissenting voices. Sure, artists are speaking out, but few are putting their voice on record. Depeche Mode, however, are livid, and on their 14th album, they make no secret of it.
Full of rage and bile, its mood as dark as its lyrics, ‘Spirit’ is an album as focussed and incensed as anything they’ve ever done. This was clear from its first single, the rousing “Where’s The Revolution”. Greatly pitched at a gentle pace, its bubbling synths nonetheless do little to hide Dave Gahan’s anger. “Who’s making your decisions?” he spits as the first verse closes. “You or your religion? Your government? Your countries? You patriotic junkies…” A colossal chorus then kicks in as he poses a question many have been asking: “Where’s the revolution? Come on people!/ You’re letting me down”. Admittedly this raises the awkward issue of whether a multi-millionaire has the right to lecture people he acknowledges have been “kept down” and “pushed around”, but Gahan’s commitment to his wrath is unquestionable, and it’s evident throughout this empathetic, combative, but carefully measured collection. Indeed, it’s conspicuous, and right from the start. Against menacing piano chords and, later, a siren-like riff, Backwards finds Gahan reasoning “We’re going backwards armed with new technology/ Going backwards to a caveman mentality”.
“Worst Crime” sees him more sparsely accompanied, beating Nick Cave at his own game as he directs us: “There’s a lynching in the square/ You will have to join us”. Then he turns the tables, jabbing his finger at us to reveal the real culprits: “Step up to the gallows/ And act out your penance/ For acting so shallow”. “Scum” is even more accusatory, a bass drum pounding away as Gahan demands “Hey, scum! What have you ever done for anyone?”, before goading his targets to “Pull the trigger!”
Even in Spirit’s mid-section, when attention shifts to relatively apolitical matters, things rarely relent. “You Move” is characterised by an industrial, malevolent rumble, while a swelling tension matches the appealingly fluid “Cover Me” growing despair. On the brief “Eternal”, Gahan faces down an apocalyptic, symphonic climax; “Poison Heart” mood is undermined by metallic creaks and groans; and though “So Much Love” picks up the pace, Gahan’s assurance that “There is so much love in me” seems tragically far-fetched.
Soon, though, as the album approaches its zenith, tempers begin to flare once again. Despite “Poorman” starting out like a crowd-pleasing return to Depeche Mode’s expansive, anthemic strengths, accompanied by growling guitars and an increasingly crushing, militant backing – follows an ever more indignant path from descriptions of begging vagrants to the root cause of their penury: “Corporations get the breaks/ Keeping almost everything they make/ Tell us how long it’s going to take/ For it to trickle down…” To find an Electro Pop star addressing supply-side economics is notable enough, but, more admirably, the song’s tension is never resolved, not even by the comparatively conventional follower “No More”.
Affairs culminate in an apparently even bleaker state, Gahan’s restrained, high- pitched delivery rendering his voice uncommonly wretched. People, he pleads, “Do we call this trying? We’re hopeless!/ Forget the denying!/ Our souls are corrupt/ Our consciences bankrupt”. Then, in no uncertain terms, he concludes, mournfully, “Oh, we’re f***ed…”
But, though this may sound like a concession to defeat rather than a victorious climax, there’s something about the song’s closing 30 seconds that contradicts this. All sparkles and glimmers – somehow reminiscent of the moment in Blade Runner when Rutger Hauer’s Roy Batty conjures up images of “attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion” – it packs the band off on a cautiously optimistic note.
Credit is, of course, due to James Ford for his role in making this one of the most forceful productions of recent years: the Mode has arguably never sounded grittier – nor more vicious, nor vital – than here.
Still, when one thinks about it, this is what Depeche Mode have always been aiming for: a subject to perfectly suit their glistening, ominous, futuristic creations. That they emerged from UKIP stronghold Essex may be no coincidence: ‘Spirit’ addresses some grand themes, but it appears to have emerged from genuine, heartfelt concern at both the state of the world and, more specifically, their country. They may begin by announcing that “We feel nothing inside”, and end with the words “We’ve failed”, but, whatever’s happening elsewhere, this cannot be said of the band. “Fail” was definitely my favorite song.
No question, Depeche Mode have succeeded. They sense what’s happening, they’ve articulated it gloriously, and ‘Spirit’ is a crucial statement, both musically and politically. The fact that they’re one of the first acts to truly encapsulate this mood is the only disappointment.
For almost a decade, Matthew Schultz has been a vital presence in the music world as an original recording artist. On this occasion, he returns with the feel-good jam “Can You Feel It.” Best of all, the animated video for this single draws inspiration from Inter Miami CF.
Soccer fans often imagine themselves teaming up with Messi and scoring winning goals, and that’s precisely what it delivers.
Additionally, “Can You Feel It” crafts a particular vibe by blending smooth synths and entrancing vocals. In its own way, it calls to mind the mellow groove of a Daft Punk song, which is totally awesome in my opinion.
For sure, you might remember Matthew Schultz from his days as a guitarist in Chris Daughtry’s band, but now he’s become a jack-of-all-trades — producing, singing, and playing multiple instruments like a boss.
In fact, most of his compositions have been popping up in tons of Spotify playlists, and some of them even went viral in eight different countries!
Riding the wave of Inter Miami CF excitement, I have no doubt “Can You Feel It” will be another standout production, receiving ample praise.
Above all, this Electro-Pop gem comprises all the elements to make it a timeless anthem for any sports event or party. Plus, he personifies the chilled-out, soul-driven spirit to perfection, guaranteeing repeat listens.
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Alright, folks, brace yourselves for synth music like no other thanks to MELØ! You know that feeling when you hear a song that’s so darn catchy, you can’t help but tap your feet and sing along? Well, that’s exactly what “Gone Forever” brings to the table.
MELØ has cranked up the right melodies to create a sound that’s not just upbeat but downright cheerful. It’s like a burst of musical sunshine that’ll have you smiling from ear to ear. And let’s not forget about his distinctive vocals…
Speaking of lyrics, MELØ takes a different route with this one. No deep introspection here; instead, he’s all about that sense of moving forward and new beginnings. I believe it’s a track that’s all about embracing change, especially when love has taken an unexpected turn.
My favorite part is the way he plans and executes his music videos. Each time MELØ drops one, it’s like taking a journey to a whole new story. Seriously, this artist knows how to tell a plot through visuals, and it’s no wonder he’s been making waves not only in his home country of Canada but also on the global stage.
And let’s not forget his trademark synth music – they’re the heart and soul of his anthems. The passion he pours into his compositions is nothing short of awe-inspiring. So, if you’re on the hunt for some cutting-edge Electro-Pop, MELØ is the name you need to know.
Don’t just take our word for it; go ahead and give “Gone Forever” a spin. Trust me, it’s worth every second of your attention.
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Are you ready to embark on your next adventure by air? Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or just taking a short domestic flight, here’s the secret to making your journey even more exciting and enjoyable: the Playlist For Flying — Electro-Pop 2023. In this article, we’ll not only introduce you to the best Electro-Pop music of the year but also show you how to listen to this Spotify compilation on a plane without Wi-Fi.
Soaring High With Electro-Pop Music
Picture this: You’re sitting in your comfortable airplane seat, the engine’s roar fades into the background, and you press play on your device, immersing yourself in a vibrant soundscape of pulsating beats, catchy melodies, and futuristic synth sounds. This is the power of Electro-Pop, a genre that seamlessly blends Electronic and Pop textures, creating an audio experience that’s perfect for traveling.
Why Electro-Pop?
Energizing Beats: The driving rhythm in Electro-Pop music is perfect for combating any mid-flight fatigue. They’ll keep you awake and engaged, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.
Escape and Relaxation: On the other hand, Electro-Pop can provide a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of air travel. Let the music carry you away, transforming the cabin into your own private concert hall.
Diverse Selection: The Playlist For Flying — Electro-Pop 2023 is carefully curated to feature the latest gems from this genre. It’s a mix of established artists and emerging talents, ensuring you’ll discover something new and exciting.
Playlist For Flying — Electro-Pop 2023
Stream Via Spotify
How To Listen To Music On Plane Without Wi-Fi?
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: How can you enjoy this awesome playlist when you’re cruising at 30,000 feet without an Internet connection? The answer lies in Spotify’s fantastic offline mode.
Step 1: Follow Electro Wow on Spotify and choose your favorite playlist.
Open the Spotify app on your device, and ensure you have a Spotify Premium subscription for offline listening.
Step 2: Download the Playlist.
Once you’ve found your desired audio collection, you’ll see a “Download” switch at the top. Tap this switch to start downloading the entire playlist to your device. This will take a moment, so it’s best to do it before you reach the airport or while you have a Wi-Fi connection.
Step 3: Enable Offline Mode
Before your flight, navigate to your Spotify settings, usually located in the “Your Library” section.
Scroll down to “Playback” and make sure “Offline” mode is enabled. This ensures that Spotify will only play downloaded music when you’re not connected to the internet.
Step 4: Take Off and Enjoy!
Once you’re on the plane, in airplane mode (with Wi-Fi and mobile data turned off), open the Spotify app.
Navigate to “Your Library” and find the playlist you downloaded.
Hit play and let the sound elevate your flight experience to new heights.
By following these simple steps, you’ll make your plane journey an unforgettable experience, all without the need for Wi-Fi.
Safe travels and happy listening!