Dark electronic trio MATTE BLVCK have pared themselves done to the bone in “Stripped”, the video for their cover of Depeche Mode’s 80s synthpop classic single from Black Celebration.
The ’80s were a time where there a magical and creative and magical confluence of musical styles, fashion and rebellion. It’s no coincidence that in 2020 we are still tapping into an era from the past that was as much about resilience as it was important to the club scene. One of the forerunners of that scene is Depeche Mode, a band that broke out into the global masses 40 years ago, and are still till this day revered as an all-time great creative force whose music has spanned many genres.
Matte Blvck’s interpretation of Depeche Mode’s “Stripped” stays as true to the original as possible with hints of modern synthesis and sound design.
According to the trio:
“We loved the recorded version of “Stripped” and some of the sounds that came from their live album 101. We believe that you can’t re-create perfection, in this case, a Depeche Mode song, but we can sure as hell try our best.”
On why they chose “Stripped”
“We love this timeless monument of a song. For a band like Depeche Mode and song that was part of the New-wave, Mope-rock melancholy, and Club Scene, it still carries its weight in 2020 with the same amount of vigor. It was the perfect opportunity to give homage to our predecessors and give it our Modern spin.”
Watch the video below:
After years of performing in groups such as Julien K, The New Division, Moving Units, while also cooperating with heavy hitters such as DJ Ten and Timecop1983, MATTE BLVCK have emerged from the dark unexplored corners of the San Diego underground to produce their debut LP—a tenebrous record that takes influence from various components of the bands they have operated with while creatively moving beyond them.
The trio’s debut LP I’M WAVING, NOT DROWNING is set for release this autumn.
Meanwhile, you can download their cover of “Stripped” here.
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