Depeche Mode Founders Vince Clarke and Martin Gore Reunite as VCMG

Thirty years after leaving Depeche Mode, the pioneering synth-pop outfit he co-founded in 1980, Vince Clarke has reteamed with former bandmate Martin Gore for a new project.

The pair joined forces about a year ago, Gore said in a press release, when Clarke e-mailed "out of the blue" about making a "techno album." Thus was born VCMG, which plans to release its as-yet-untitled full-length debut early next year.

"He said, 'No pressure, no deadlines,' so I said, 'OK,'" Gore said.

"I've been getting into and listening to a lot of minimal dance music, and I got really intrigued by all the sounds," said Clarke, who found post-Mode success with the electro-pop duos Yazoo (known as Yaz in the United States) and Erasure. "I realised I needed a collaborator ... so it occurred to me to talk to Martin."

Clarke was responsible for Depeche Mode's run of early singles, including the hit 'Just Can't Get Enough.' Following his departure in 1981, Gore took the songwriting helm and led the group in darker directions, spearheading such acclaimed albums as 'Black Celebration,' 'Music for the Masses' and 'Violator.'

Clarke and Gore collaborated via e-mail on the VCMG songs and didn't meet face to face to discuss the partnership until this past May.

To tide fans over until the album release, the pair will drop the five-track 'EP1/Spock' on Nov. 30 via the website Beatport. Featuring four remixes of the tune 'Spock,' the EP will be available on other download services Dec. 13 and see physical release a week later.


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