Just 10 years ago, Down to the Bone was released by Les Disques du Soleil et de L'Acier [RIP] – a Depeche Mode acoustic (piano, clarinet, cello, viola) tribute album on which Sylvain Chauveau went back to singing after several years exploring intrumental landscapes.
11 tracks that the musician reclaims in the sober style he is known for leaving just the bare bones of the originals. With the Nocturne ensemble, Chauveau redefines the contours of these hits we all know to provide an intimate and highly personal vision. This critically acclaimed album, deleted for many years, is an essential record for lovers of Chauveau's minimalist works (The Black Book of Capitalism, Nocturne Impalpable) as well as Depeche Mode's hardcore fans.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the album's release, Down to the Bone has been re-issued on CD and LP in all new, improved artwork. No doubt that vinyl addicts will appreciate this first ever pressing on black wax. A decade and several albums later Down to the Bone still sounds as one of Chauveau's biggest successes, not only a simple tribute which means taking distances from the original tracks. Pop inspiration is still there, but these pieces bring a mediative, even melancholic touch through an acoustic treatment which offers an unique contemplative experience. The great care, that Chauveau provided these 11 elegant tracks with, was the best way for him to declare his love for Depeche Mode’s timeless music.
