dailymusicguide 30 years and over 50 singles into their career Depeche Mode still make great electro pop. New double A-side Fragile Tension/Hole To Feed shows Gahan, Gore and Fletcher aren't running out of ideas.
'Fragile Tension' kicks off at quite a pace with synths and drum machines backing up Gahan's voice. By the time he's telling us that that "there's something magical in the air", there's a strangely religious echo in the background that punctuates the statement.
Meanwhile 'Hole To Feed' opens with a snarling vocal that sounds for a split second like it's about to burst into an Editors doom and gloom-fest. While it doesn't quite descend to those depths, it's an obviously darker song than 'Fragile Tension'.
Again synths and drum machines provide the backdrop for some really catchy guitar parts. Essentially a song about obsession, Gahan doesn't elaborate on what's needed to fill the hole for the other person in the relationship. It's clear though that he's already fought his demons, because of: "your words and the kindness that set me free."
The only complaint is the sheer number of remixes that comprise the B-sides here. They take some attention away from the main tracks, and despite big names like Roger Sanchez being involved, are largely superfluous as they don't reveal anything new about the source material.
Fragile Tension/Hole To Feed isn't an essential Depeche Mode release then, but it's another reminder that they're still a band at the top of their game.
Rating: 3/5
