Depeche Mode are currently in Santa Barbara, California recording their first studio album since 2001's "Exciter", due for release this autumn.

Depeche Mode are currently in Santa Barbara, California recording their first studio album since 2001's "Exciter", due for release this autumn.

2004 ended on a high for Depeche Mode, generated largely by the success of their remix album, "Depeche Mode Remixes 81-04", which sold over 1 million copies worldwide and produced the Top 10 single, 'Enjoy The Silence', remixed by Mike Shinoda.

The new album is being co-produced by Depeche Mode and Ben Hillier, whose credits include Elbow's "Cast Of Thousands" album, the current acclaimed Doves release, "Some Cities" and Blur's classic, "Think Tank".

"It's a great feeling to be back together in the studio again and we are very excited about the new material", says Dave Gahan. "We are all feeling incredibly positive about the album. Ben Hillier has brought a whole new dynamic to the group which is quite inspiring."