Martin Gore
MG (Mute)
Martin Gore has created a life for himself as one of the most successful songwriters of the past three decades, penning the hits for ‘80s pop-goths Depeche Mode. With his latest solo record, you will not find a single signature Gore-ism, that is to say, this is an instrumental album, and that is a very good thing.
MG plays like a soundtrack, filled with mystery and emotion built entirely out of artificial soundscapes: not a single guitar was used, nor any trace of a human voice. Opener "Plinker" builds up tension and contemplation with a repetitive staccato synth and low razor-sharp swells. "Elk" falls back into Angelo Badalamenti territory with an eerie organ-like melody dancing over stuttering samples and swirls. As the album progresses, we begin to hear more traditional beats in songs like "Brink", which sounds like Portishead scoring "Trainspotting" underwater.
With the rise of electronic film soundtracks in mainstream music, MG feels fresh, modern and timely. A smart move for an aging rocker who knows too well that you can't play the casino circuit when you are a gothic genius.
Rating: ★★★★
