I am a big fan of Depeche Mode and have been since they added their two-penneth worth to the synth-pop scene of the early 1980s. Most people are surprised to find that the band are still together and are still touring and producing albums. Their latest offering, Sounds of the Universe, was released this week and just as I have done since the release of Violator in 1990, I’ve bought a Depeche Mode album on launch day.

To be honest, this time around I wish I hadn’t bothered.

Sounds of the Universe is horribly average. It’s a chore to listen to – there are no hooks, there’s little punch or interest, tracks start, build up then go nowhere. It’s a crying shame as the quality of the album’s production values is fantastic.

We’re four albums on since Songs of Faith and Devotion and still Depeche Mode prove that they cannot make good music without Alan Wilder.