Basildon's finest sons Depeche Mode have confirmed that new album Sounds Of The Universe will be released on Mute Records on April 20th.

According to the enthusastic bumf that accompanies the news, Sounds Of The Universe sees the Mode deploying vintage synths and drum machines, along with a decent spread of lyrical dark humour.

Depeche Mode take their newly mordant music on the road for the trade descriptions-defying Tour Of The Universe throughout 2009.

Watch: Depeche Mode - 'Black Celebration'