Latter day Depeche Mode attempts a tricky balancing act between light and dark; essentially between their command of melodies and their wish to have an age-appropriate gravity. 2013's Delta Machine saw Ben Hillier help them address their mid-life pain in dark post-dubstep. This stint with James Ford though has effected a more overt compromise. Opener 'Backwards' and 'Cover Me' both suggest the band have been steered towards the grandeur of their mid-late 80's anthems, while 'So Much Love' is a storming electro charger, even if it hinges rather unfortunately on the word 'disclosure'. Pain management (see 'Eternity'. a misfiring Marc Almond ballad; closer 'Fail') still needs to be monitored more closely though.

7/10. John Robinson"