I was an incorrigible pessimist, who never saw the bright side of life. I was always reading books about history. I was convinced I was going to be a teacher. ~ Andrew Fletcher

A statement which shocks me so deeply and, perhaps, sums up why all the fans around the world are so attracted to Depeche Mode in the 80's, a time when industrialization ever expands and consumerism roaring nowhere. The time gave Depeche Mode so much inspiration in writing so many good lyrics like People are People, Everything Counts, Get the Balance Right etc.

Like so many fans around the world, I was ever hooked by the eternal 'See You'; the pure electronic sound mixing Kraftwerk-like clarity with purposeful, teenage pop tunes and simple love lyrics. The sense of love impacted me so deeply that I never quit following Depeche Mode.

A biography on the band, therefore, is a must read for everyone who loves Depeche Mode. However, so far, still no official biography was published. This edition, written by Steve Malins, who follows Depeche Mode's every album, most of the live shows until 1999, then seems to be the most complete, up-to-date and major work on the band.

The book largely follows a chronological order, from the formation of the band in 1980 to the temporary suspension of recording and performance in 1999. To the surprise of many, the early hits coming from the albums 'Construction Time Again' and 'Some Great Reward', heavily influenced by the 'industrial music', appeal to both the intellectual left-wing and the mechanized attitude extreme right wing group.

Mind you, this book is really 'independently' written by Steve, as the members of the group cautiously distant themselves from endorsing this book. Many 'facts' are figured out by the author through interview with the third parties (e.g. other new-romantics music band like Spanda Ballet, Culture Club, OMD etc., friends close to the band and those who worked for them), newspaper clippings, music commentaries, shows critics, album reviews, etc. The lack of originality and first-hand information poses a real problem. And the lack of an appendix hurts even more.

On the other hand, this kind of amateur-ship did permit a revelation of many behind-the-scene secrets, relationship among the band members, their friends and family members, the record company Mute and its boss Daniel Miller, who is the single most important figure in the history of the band. Characterization of the band's members pulls along the story as every albums, singles, and tours around the world are covered. I can say that this is the most complete 20-years story about DM in one book.

'This is the story of the mutations, perfections and tragedies of Depeche Mode.' (UK edition)

As quoted at the back of the book, the writer does not intend to glorify DM. The dark, gloomy side of DM was revealed as in the city nightlife of Berlin, where the band enjoyed the most successful career before moving to America. Deterministic, existentialist, DM's 'Construction Time Again was even described by left-wing columnist as virtually a rewrite of the Communist Manifesto. The social-caring perspective was brought about by simple and unpretending music and lyrics.

In the book, you can find Martin Gore a gay, son of a black American; Andrew Fletcher a too-sensitive, nervous-breaking who holds a special friendship with Martin, Dave Gahan a drug addict and Alan Wilder a talented but an uneasy man within the band. And please don't be surprised to see the books spread with no less challenging sentences for you to chew on like: Love & sex & drinks against the boredom of life; Man is inherently evil; God is sex personified.etc.

Overall, Steve did successfully gave the readers a full and detailed, albeit sometimes distorted, view on DM. It certainly worths a look and is a good start for recording Depeche Mode.

This is a highly informative book starting from the very beginning, showing the evolution of the band. Highlights include quotes from band members and friends, giving both positive and negative comments on the progress of Depeche Mode. Malins also shows the tensions between band members and problems they faced, such as drug addiction, breakdowns, and heavy drinking. While this book is extremely informative, Malins tends to devote a little too much attention to David's drug problems.

Unlike other attempts to unmask the members of this band, this book finally got it right! Amid the controversies, near fatal tragedies, and stories of excess, you will gain an almost intimate perspective of the personalities involved within the band itself. Starting from the group's humble beginnings in Basildon, and ending with the recording of Ultra, the chapters fly by as you read about one of the least understood bands today.

What speaks loudest for the book, is that former Depeche Mode member Alan Wilder says on his website that the book is mostly accurate as opposed to previous attempts by other authors. While the book has been criticized by some as being mostly influenced by Alan's views on the other band members after he left the group, his comments are often balanced by what others had to say about the same people and events. Martin's drinking is addressed, as well as Dave's highly publicized overdose and Fletch's nervous breakdowns. Alan is said to be a loner by others, although he contends that he tried to be part of the group.

The only thing that really irritated me was that the author makes the same mistake as most critics when he tries to dissect the meaning behind Martin's lyrics. The lyrics, which Martin doesn't like to explain, can't be explained away as easily as most critics think, and it does tend to annoy me when I read an entire song explained by a phrase or sentence- especially when I don't agree with the sentiment!

Overall, a highly enjoyable read with many quotes from Martin, Dave, Alan, and Fletch, I would recommend this book to hugh DM fans and also those who have little more than a curiousity about the band.