Interview – Erasure still believe in love – Andy and Vince talk about their new album ‘World Be Gone’
SL: Some of your new tracks like “Still It`s Not Over”, “Oh What A World” – a sinister protest song – or “Lousy Sum Of Nothing” are focusing on current political topics and news. Although you already had some political lyrics in the 80s in songs like “The Circus” or “Hallowed Ground”, these were not themes typical of yours. Have you felt the necessity to write about actual policy issues now?
V: There is so much weirdness going on right now that we felt compelled to reflect on that for this new record.
A: That’s just how the songs came out we weren’t thinking ‘oh let’s be political now’. I think we just wanted to do something with meaning.
SL: I think that love is still the greatest power on the planet for Erasure – and it`s good so. Are you romantic or realistic in your personal lives? Do you still believe in the big love which could heal the world?
V: I think that most people are basically good people. I also think ‘love’ is something you do, rather than something you say.
I believe in love both personal & universal.
SL: The new album contains rather calming music and its mood is rather balladistic and gospel-tinged than techno-disco. It goes well with its current themes and it`s heart-warming to hear Andy singing like that – very soulful and uplifting – underpainted by Vince`s rather vintage analogue synths. Was it on purpose to record a calmer album than the previous two which were filled with catchier dance tunes and hi-NRG party music?
V: We deliberately set out to make a more reflective album. We wanted the album to be ‘vocal heavy’ but musically minimal, harking back (a little) to ‘Erasure’ the album.
A: Ditto.
SL: The lead single of your new album (“Love You To The Sky”) is one of your best songs from the last decade, in my opinion. It`s a perfect love song with positive lyrics and euphoric melody, that brings us up to the sky. If I could choose the next 2-3 singles, then songs like “Be Careful What You Wish For!” – my absolute favourite from the whole album -, “World Be Gone” and “Sweet Summer Loving” would be among the chosen ones. And which ones are your personal favourites?
V: “World Be Gone” is my absolute fave. 🙂
A: I have the same taste as you those 4 would be excellent choices.
SL: Your fans around the world are hoping on more headline tour dates. Will there be any opportunities to see you – without Robbie – on tour later this year or early next year?
V: We’ll be touring extensively, on our own, in 2018.
SL: There are rumours about the making of a tribute musical on Erasure, which is called “Oh L`Amour”. Have you heard anything about it? Would it be a great honour to your work if it took place / became a reality sometime?
V: There are a couple of ideas floating around at the moment and of course, we’re thrilled… Let’s see what happens.
A: I have heard it & it’s amazing I really hope it comes to fruition.
The new Erasure album “World Be Gone” is out on Mute Records 19th May 2017 and is available to buy on CD, ltd edition orange vinyl, regular vinyl & cassette.
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I began my career in online music journalism in 2001, writing about artists I had followed since the late ’80s and early ’90s, including Depeche Mode, Erasure and The Cure. I later edited the Hungarian Mute microsite for EMI Music Hungary. This led to interviews with Erasure, Nitzer Ebb and Alan Wilder, and some of those collaborations developed into lasting friendships. Since 2014, I have been part of the editorial team of depechemode.de. I also contribute interviews to Reflections of Darkness, Peek-A-Boo Magazine and Kaput Mag. I maintain a close connection to Mute Records artists and have also supported releases on Very Records. I am proud to collaborate with Side-Line Magazine, where I regularly publish interviews and features.
