The LA Times music blog Pop & Hiss reports that Depeche Mode has finished recording work on the band's forthcoming studio album, its first since 2005's "Playing the Angel". The as-yet-untitled album, slated for release in April 2009, will have about 12 tracks. The band recorded 18 in total including "Wrong", "Peace Will Come to Me", "Hole to Feed", "Comeback" and "In Chains", the latter three were co-written by Gahan. Still according to the blog, the band might release a special EP or online-only add-on with the extra material next year.As far as the sound of the new material, The LA Times writes: "And though the band is increasingly fond of using guitars, the new disc may see a return to the Depeche Mode's original analog synth roots, at least on a few tracks." In related news, Martin Gore has been using lots of analog equipment on the album, including old drum machines from the 1970s plus old Moogs, Arps and a vintage 1970s-era Steiner Parker synthesizer.
In more Depeche Mode related news, the band has unofficially entered Second Life. Created by Nothing Club, you can have a look at it right here. And we end with Hilary Duff who has based her "Reach Out" heavily on samples from the band's classic track "Personal Jesus".
Source: Side Line Magazine
