Master and Servant [From Singles Box #2]

Master and Servant [From Singles Box #2]

Depeche Mode

Even more of an industrial anthem than its predecessors, "Master and Servant" doesn't merely codify the implicit bondage/domination doings of said perceived scene in its lyrics but brings them to total life via the powerful rhythm attack. That it could also be a pop hit is part of Depeche Mode 's unique, powerful appeal, from the opening call-and-response vocals to David Gahan 's heavily treated vocals and the combination of softer tones and harsher screams, noises, and drumming. The "slavery whip" mix, with Gahan 's call "Treat me like a dog!" looped and fed through even more treatment used as the song's start, finds the group starting to stretch their wings more with the remixes, just enough. It's still essentially a longer version of the original, but more curious stops and starts scattered throughout, plus an amusing, end-of-the-evening lounge ending. The B-side this time around shows the band aiming more for the lighter feeling of earlier numbers -- "(Set Me Free) Remotivate Me" is a good enough rhythm pulse and punch, with horn-section styled synth stabs and some fun falsetto from Gahan here and there. It's light and breezy in its own way, a fun throwaway with enough of the usual Depeche quality in it to make it worth a look, while the "release" mix adds further fun and games to the original piece.