DEPECHE MODE - One Night In Paris

After several decades, the Depeche Mode magic is still well in tact, both in their incredible songwriting skills and live presence. This phenomenal live show from their last tour in support of the Exciter album re-establishes them as a transcendent pop force to be reckoned with. Directed by Anton Corbijn, the choice of colours, lighting, backdrops and gigantic rear projections are as well chosen as the songs, which includes a wide range spanning across their illustrious (and sometimes troubled) career. The focus is firmly set on frontman Dave Gahan and key songwriter Martin Gore, their magnetic performance oozing at the crowd and from the screen with songs like Black Celebration, The Sweetest Condition, Breathe, Dream On, Freelove, Enjoy The Silence, In Your Room, Home and Personal Jesus - 20 tracks in all. This double DVD is stylish in packaging, delivery and execution. The extra footage include key band member interviews (Gahan, Gore & Fletcher), chats with fans outside the venue, managers as well as director Corbijn. A fascinating portion has Corbijn supply a voice-over through some remarkable stills taken on the tour - analyzing some of them while others speak for themselves. A 23-minute segment offers the owner of this classy package an exclusive viewing of the video backdrops together with the audio of the songs, no band members or stage props obstructing your view. A bonus track Sister Of The Night is included as well as a multi-camera angle track where you can play Mr Director yourself. With the live drums, guitar and back-up singers, the show is an awesome spectacle of pure talent on more than one level and one completely worthwhile making your own, since the last time we had the opportunity to see them live on our shores were around the early part of the previous decade.

5 / A
- PB