Depeche mode

For three decades running, Depeche Mode has held the title of Coolest Band Around. When they're not awesomely covering '80s torch song "Tainted Love," the Mode specializes in heartbreaking love songs delivered with an icy sheen. In fact, the current plague of '80s revivalist bands is downright doofy in comparison to Depeche Mode's latest work in Playing the Angel.

Dissonant noise heralds the album's beginnings with the introduction, "A Pain That I'm Used To." From the record's initial moments, it's clear that the Mode is up to its same old M.O. It's all here: the sleazy electro-funk synths, lead singer David Gahan's seal's bark voice, and terrific sense of manipulating digital melody that would make Daft Punk envious.

And the songs don't fail. "John the Revelator" in the Mode's "Personal Jesus" steals some Biblical verses, alludes to Sade's "Smooth Operator" and still manages to sound foxy cool.

Perhaps the pinnacle of the Mode's new sound however is leadoff single "Precious." High drama, the song bopping along to a fizzing bass line feels epic The band has done it again; they've effortlessly created cosmic tragedy within the confines of one song.

It's something that happens again and again on Playing the Angel.