I can't even say this album is depressing. That would require actual emotion, which this album is completely devoid of. First, nothing stands out anywhere. There are sounds that remind of older Depeche Mode. However, no melodies that make DM so great. Yet even if remove ourselves from the pop magic that no longer exists, there is nothing truly moving, intimate, dark, introspective,I can't even say this album is depressing. That would require actual emotion, which this album is completely devoid of. First, nothing stands out anywhere. There are sounds that remind of older Depeche Mode. However, no melodies that make DM so great. Yet even if remove ourselves from the pop magic that no longer exists, there is nothing truly moving, intimate, dark, introspective, otherworldly, emotive, broken, or even truly melancholy or sad. Every song occupies the exact same space, there is no dynamic or ebb and flow, or highs and lows. It is an even plateau from start to finish, and goes nowhere. Lyrically it is broad, generic, and with no character. It is all empty word "art" that you find at a chain store, in cursive. Superficial and lacking in any personal nuance, question, or inward examination. Note that the lyrics are all static proclamations - Dont Play, You are, I won't. The few departures are songs like Before We Drown - "I've been thinking I can come back home
So how would that be, you and I alone?
All alone?
I have a feeling, you're not on my side
There's a distance, between you and I
You and I"
every line paints the exact same idea... actually scratch that. "paint" is far too generous and descriptive, for such generic on-the-nose flat statements."Painting" would imply that there is some sort of picture, image, mood, atmosphere, story, none of which exists. As a side note, it is interesting (I'm being nice with that word) that there is no indication of staying afloat or being overwhelmed, which conjure the imagery of drowning, which is in the title of the song, and only comes up at the end. It doesn't even have to be blatantly water related, at least some sort of feeling of being inundated or suffocated. No, Standing "naked, standing on the shore" does not do this. It is beach related, it elicits exposure or vulnerability, not drowning.
The music follows suite in its directionless static nature. choruses and verses blur together with little distinction. You can literally sing along or hum to most DM songs, even the moody melancholy ones, Not every song/album has to have that. But it doesnt have any interest in term of arrangement, different soundscapes, atmosphere, or musical exploration. It is just as flat and lifeless as the monotone droning of vocals and stagnant lyrics.… Expand