Delta Machine

Editors’ Notes Depeche Mode have always played on the tensions between faith and flesh, and on the trio’s 13th album, these two themes come together in pursuit of a higher electro-rock transcendence. The erotic drive of their younger years comes through on “Soft Touch / Raw Nerve,” an anthem propelled by pulsing synths and twangy guitars. “Angel” pushes even harder, its ominous, distorted bass and snarling lyrics evoking a deviant communion with God, while “My Little Universe” offers a slow build of glitchy electronics and 303 basslines.