While it doesn't shy away from recalling his past demons, Paper Monsters ultimately points toward his optimism for the future. Paper Monsters is a competent solo debut, and although it doesn't stray too far from the Depeche mold, Gahan does manage to put his own stamp on the songs. They, along with producer Ken Thomas ( Sigur Rós), began shaping Gahan's ideas into a mix of swampy blues-injected rock, slick urban electronica, and atmospheric balladry. Initially shy and even a bit scared, it wasn't until he began jamming with friend and multi-instrumentalist Knox Chandler that he gained the confidence he needed to get serious about releasing an album of his own material. Additionally, "Hidden Houses" offers his most naked moment on the album: "Inside each man is a frightened lamb who hides beneath the sheets/Waiting for a chance to just be free." Having toyed with the idea of releasing a solo album ever since Depeche Mode released Exciter, Gahan approached the project slowly. On "I Need You" and "Hidden Houses," Gahan sounds as though he could be addressing all of his subjects at once. "Hold On" and "A Little Piece" each offer a glimpse into Gahan's reconciliations with a higher power, while "Bitter Apple," "Black and Blue Again," and "Goodbye" shed light on his relationships, both bad and good. As the titles suggest, "Dirty Sticky Floors" and "Bottle Living" are glam-induced snapshots of Gahan's days spent at rock-bottom. While the lyrics on Paper Monsters lack some of the depth and clever irony associated with those of bandmate Martin Gore, Gahan masters innuendo, often hiding the true identities of his subjects. Following Gahan's journey through both physical and mental rehabilitation, Paper Monsters is what many would expect - a collection of material culled from his addictions, failed relationships, and spiritual rebirth. As his addictions worsened, Gahan lost his friends, lost himself, and for a few short minutes, lost his life before paramedics revived him after an all-night drug binge.
When Depeche Mode regrouped to record Songs of Faith & Devotion, Gahan had transformed himself into the perennial junkie. By the early '90s, however, Gahan had moved to L.A., gotten hooked on heroin and booze, and immersed himself in the grunge scene. Although the group often flirted with gloomy overtones throughout their career, they maintained a largely squeaky-clean image. Given the surprising depth of Paper Monsters, you have to wonder why he waited 22 years before he confided in us.As the lead vocalist for Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan appeared to be far removed from the common trappings of rock & roll stardom. For Depeche Mode news, please visit depeche mode dot com. Gahan has described the making of this album as a liberating process.With most artists of his stature, this would more than likely involve a clumsy catharsis resulting in a crude ego trip. Dave Gahan - Paper Monsters This is the site for Dave's 'Paper Monsters' album from 2003. Other treats include "I Need You" - a relaxed, lo-fi electro number and "Hidden Houses" which is deliciously devilish and angelic in equal measure and demonstrates a vocal range rarely seen in the Mode back catalogue. On the other hand, tracks such as "Hold On" and "Bitter Apple" are more serene, sensuous and well crafted. They are also the most reminiscent of Depeche Mode - sprawling and decadent.Yet it seems that minus Gore's melodramatic input, these songs become strangely optimistic and hopeful. "Dirty Sticky Floors" and "Bottle Living" both clearly reflect the hedonist that Gahan's image tends to conjure up (in the lead up to this album, he has revealed an alter-ego "Evil Dave" as the influence behind these tracks). Paper Monsters is produced by Ken Thomas (Sigur Ros) and co-writing credits go to Knox Chandler (ex-Psychedelic Furs guitarist and musical all-rounder).Despite this collaboration, the album is deeply autobiographical throughout.
#Paper monsters album series
Comprising a series of sincere and polished narratives and drawing on many musical influences, you shouldn't expect a Depeche Mode album.
So given his reticence in the past, it is a pleasant surprise to find that Paper Monsters is such an assured debut. As the iconic frontman of Depeche Mode, Dave Gahan has lived the archetypal rock 'n' roll lifestyle and has somehow lived to tell the tale, although for 6 minutes in 1996, he was clinically dead.Luckily, he survived this tormented period of his life, but while colleague Martin Gore has extensively explored solo territory (including current release, Counterfeit 2), it seemed slightly odd that Gahan had never seen the appeal of relaying his exceptional story on his own terms.
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