Depeche Mode - Martyr

DM were right not include ‘Martyr’ on Playing the Angel – whereas the album had a contemporary sound with darkness pumping through its veins, this is more of an ode to ‘80s club cheese.
More importantly, it would have been one of the weaker tracks, resembling an incestuous threesome between ‘Suffer Well’ and B sides ‘Better Days’ and ‘Free’, complete with retro electronic bleeps and blips, dated octave jumping bass and Gore’s bluesy two note guitar riff that borders on self parody.
Lyrically, too, it has a “been there, done that” feel as principal wordsmith Gore reverts to the old pain and suffering shtick.
Still, at least vocalist Gahan is on top form, breathing life into this frustrating mix of overcooked production and underdeveloped songwriting.