In 2001, Depeche Mode, the British synth-pop trailblazers whose albums like Violator shaped generations of electronic artists, resurfaced after a four-year break with the Exciter Tour, bolstering their self-titled release produced by LFO's Mark Bell and distinguished by minimalist, ambient-infused vibes. The 29-track assemblage, drawn from global gigs spanning Montreal to Paris, conveys the essence of the spectacle: from the instrumental prelude "Easy Tiger" and vigorous "The Dead of Night" to acoustic interludes such as "When the Body Speaks" on Martin Gore's guitar and the encore "Never Let Me Down Again," where Dave Gahan's post-addiction charisma shone vividly. Anton Corbijn's direction lent visual profundity, with critiques highlighting the "band's finest playing" per Gahan himself, amid Alan Wilder's absence and the album's polarizing reception; this collection endures as a testament to their adaptability, retaining fan loyalty in a post-grunge landscape.