New music from Martin Gore of Depeche Mode

MARTIN GORE, songwriter and founding member of Depeche Mode, has unveiled “Mandrill,” a new track taken from the forthcoming 5-track instrumental EP, The Third Chimpanzee, out January 29.

“Mandrill” is electro and, like the four other tracks, was produced and written by Martin and recorded this year at Electric Ladyboy in Santa Barbara, California.

The accompanying visual can be seen here.

“The first track I recorded had a sound that wasn’t human,” Martin explains. “It sounded primate-like. I decided to name it ‘Howler’, after a monkey. Then, when it came time to name the EP, I remembered reading the book ‘The Rise and Fall of the Third Chimpanzee.’ It all made sense to call it that, as the EP was made by one of the third chimpanzees.”

The EP is available for pre-order now on CD, limited edition 12” Azure Blue vinyl (which includes an art print), and digital platforms. Artwork is by Pockets Warhol. Pre-order The Third Chimpanzee here.

It's been five years since Martin released the acclaimed instrumental album MG. “Mandrill” follows the 2017 release of Depeche Mode’s Spirit. Last week the band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Track listing:

1. Howler
2. Mandrill
3. Capuchin
4. Vervet
5. Howler’s End