Depeche Mode continues exploiting their strengths: Martin Gore’s dense, synth-heavy compositions and David Gahan’s pleading, sultry vocals and unusual melodies. Sounds of the Universe dispenses with the more user-friendly, pop-oriented, big-chorus songs of 2005’s Playing the Angel in favor of denser, consternating material.

Though not redefining their identity or attempting anything new musically, the band continues to update past creative explorations.