Depeche Mode - Fragile Tension / A Hole to Feed

Reviewed by Chris Render

No surprises here, really. Depeche Mode have been at the forefront of British electro for years, and this 8-track CD is no exception. Featuring tracks from their latest album Sounds of the Universe and a selection of remixes from artists like Peter Bjorn and John and Laidback Luke, this CD is a musical tour de force, suitably exemplifying why Depeche Mode have been met with the critical acclaim they have enjoyed over the years. Both Fragile Tension and Hole to Feed are highlights, catchy, skilful and instantly memorable. The second portion of the CD, the remixes of tracks from Sounds of the Universe is as varied as it is entertaining, shifting from a catchy and upbeat Roger Sanchez Club Mix of Perfect to a decidedly more laidback mix of Come Back by Sixtoes flawlessly. Of these remixes, the arguable highlight comes from the Roger Sanchez mix, but even the less enjoyable tracks, like the Popof Vocal Mix of Hole to Feed, are still triumphs of electro. Once again, it would seem, Depeche Mode have succeeded in creating a fantastic, enjoyable electro masterpiece.

5/5