Those who unfold the cover of Memento Mori see the following: Dave Gahan and Martin L. Gore at an old kitchen table with a skull on it. Next to that photo (by Anton Corbijn, of course) is the name of deceased third band member Andrew Fletcher (1961 - 2022). Is there a sick sense of humor here? No, for that Gahan and Gore were too fond of "Fletch," who so often acted as a binder. As such, this
… fifteenth studio album by Depeche Mode cannot be construed as anything other than a monument to Fletcher. And what a monument it is. After the lifeless Spirit (2017), Memento Mori is the best band album since 2005's Playing The Angel. At times, it is also quite reminiscent of that record, for which vocalist Gahan was also allowed to contribute songs for the first time. Again, twelve catchy songs full of dark and industrial synth pop; two by "team Gahan," nine by "team Gore" (with writing partner Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs). In addition, the two former (?) ruffians wrote a song together for the first time: the strong Wagging Tongue. Yes, I'm sure Fletch would have liked that. (RME)more
