With an absolute abundance of rumours, reports and what-not, it's time for a re-cap. What do we actually know at this point? What do we think we know? Why should you care?
With the band announcing the tour in just over two weeks time, now seems like a good time to get the facts straight. Here's what we know about the album...
So far, the band have been working at Sound Design in Santa Barbara and Stratosphere in New York. At least 12 tracks have been worked on during these sessions. According to Dave's recent interview with Q, these 12 songs include 'Everything', 'Sinner in Me', 'Suffer Well', 'Pain', 'Free' and 'Macro'. From earlier reports we also know of a song titled 'Martyr For Love'. Dave places the album stylistically somewhere between Violator and Songs of Faith and Devotion, again according to the Q report.
It's been widely reported, and confirmed again by the Q article, that both Martin Gore and Dave Gahan has written songs for the album.
Working with the band in the studio are Ben Hillier and Dave McCracken. A highly creative producer in great demand, Ben's previous production credits include Blur, Clinic, Suede and Elbow to name a few. Dave is well known for his programming skills, and has recently begun venturing into production as well. His CV includes Seal, All Saints, Goldie and James.
In the art/promotion department, we know that Anton Corbijn is back, taking pictures and doing the sleeves. Anton was in Santa Barbara earlier in the year for a photo session with the band, and was pleased with the result. According to his website, Anton was impressed with how the album was sounding. We also know that German film production company Q Film has announced their involvement with a Making of... film about the new album. The project, helmed by director Uwe Flade, will include footage filmed in L.A., New York and London. Uwe was also the brains behind the 'Enjoy The Silence 04' video, as well as the video for Dave Gahan's 'Bottle Living'.
As far as a release date goes, Mute won't get any more specific than some time this Autumn. Persistent and credible reports do suggest however, that the date is likely to be some time in October... most likely October 17th for Europe.
Regarding the tour there's still very few solid facts abound. What we do know is that it will be announced on June 16th at a press conference in Düsseldorf, Germany. So far the only real credible information about dates is a New York gig being scheduled for November. It is likely that the announcement being made on June 16th will not include all dates. That is to say, more dates will be added later on.
There will be much more info coming through in the following weeks, so stay tuned!
