New information has trickled out about the forthcoming record from noirish stadium botherers Depeche Mode.

Back in February, the band promised that their next album would be “finished by the end of the year”. We’ve not heard much since. although Martin Gore has been in the limelight larking around with old mucker Vince Clarke as VCMG, and Gahan also released a collaborative record record with Soulsavers.

In a conversation with Clash, Mode mainman Dave Gahan offered some new insights into the ongoing recording sessions for the new record. Gahan revealed that “close to twenty songs” have been recorded in California thus far. The band also remain unsigned, although they have been meeting with Daniel Miller of longtime associates Mute.

Gahan said that the album will be a rawer and earthier affair than previous material: “Just because it’s another electronic record doesn’t mean it shouldn’t have a certain edge to it. That’s what we’re getting with this. That’s what’s exciting with the Depeche record. We’re definitely going down that road, where we’ve got a lot more bluesy influence on it, and we’re trying to retain that more in the recording and not get too over-fussed about details.”

It also looks like the record will now arrive in the New Year, with Gahan fingering a spring 2013 date. A tour is also in the works off the back of the record.