May 2023 - Now, This Is Fun
Released as the b-side for Depeche Mode's 1982 single See You, the track Now, This Is Fun offers an immediately captivating listen.
The song opens with some eerie but lush sounding synths. The soundscape is haunted, lonely, and desolate. It wouldn't sound out of place in an 1980's horror/fantasy film. However, there is still something warm and inviting within this atmosphere. A lovely contradiction of sounds and feelings.
The Track then picks up, offering a sort of dancy yet bleak feel. Something somber, but not depressive. This interesting mix of beautiful threads with darker elements would later be described as 'melancholic hope' ...and is a staple of Depeche Mode music. Interestingly, Now, This Is Fun showcases this is something the band had been doing very early on.
As Dave's vocals start, his signature baritone sound almost icy, cold, distant. The strong emotions he conjures is almost heart wrenching. This is further escalated by one of Depeche Mode's most stunning synth solos. It's inclusion only adds to the gorgeous glacial feel of this perfect slice of darkwave. Now, This Is Fun should be considered a signature track from Depeche's early catalog.
The song opens with some eerie but lush sounding synths. The soundscape is haunted, lonely, and desolate. It wouldn't sound out of place in an 1980's horror/fantasy film. However, there is still something warm and inviting within this atmosphere. A lovely contradiction of sounds and feelings.
The Track then picks up, offering a sort of dancy yet bleak feel. Something somber, but not depressive. This interesting mix of beautiful threads with darker elements would later be described as 'melancholic hope' ...and is a staple of Depeche Mode music. Interestingly, Now, This Is Fun showcases this is something the band had been doing very early on.
As Dave's vocals start, his signature baritone sound almost icy, cold, distant. The strong emotions he conjures is almost heart wrenching. This is further escalated by one of Depeche Mode's most stunning synth solos. It's inclusion only adds to the gorgeous glacial feel of this perfect slice of darkwave. Now, This Is Fun should be considered a signature track from Depeche's early catalog.