Released: 12 November 2021
Dave Gahan & Soulsavers strip bare classics on their latest offering ‘Imposter’.
The album features 12 meticulously chosen reimagined songs from across genres and time periods, which the duo has dissected and reassembled for an alternate listening experience.
Originally, the tracks couldn’t be more different – classics from Neil Young and Bob Dylan sit alongside cuts from PJ Harvey, Charlie Chaplin and Mark Lanegan – but Gahan and collaborator Rich Machin transform the cuts into a cohesive body of work.
It would be remiss to consider ‘Imposter’ a covers album; the Depeche Mode star’s handpicked offering takes a journey through his life, stopping by the musical moments that inspired and influenced him throughout the years.
Moreover, the attention given to each track is impressive and illuminates aspects of the music that may previously have fallen into the background.
Album opener, The Dark End of The Street, sets the tone for the downtempo set, featuring scaled back arrangements that place the lyrics and Gahan’s vocals front and centre.
Much of the LP reads as a confessional; the classic Lilac Wine is an early showstopper in the tracklist, while a take on Roland S. Howard’s Shut Me Down, with haunting female backing vocals, is chilling.
Closer Always On My Mind – a downtempo take on Pet Shop Boys’ classic ‘80s anthem – becomes a stunning ballad steeped in meaning.
‘Imposter’ is enchanting, occasionally self-indulgent, but often brilliant listening – a worthy follow-up to 2015’s ‘Angels & Ghosts’.
‘Imposter’ is available on CD and vinyl.
