DEPECHE MODE LEAN, LOUD.

Byline: Phillip Zonkel Staff Writer

Depeche Mode showed Tuesday night at Staples Center that even after 20 years the band is still in top performance mode.

In the first of a series of sold-out Southland concerts, including gigs Saturday and Sunday at Arrowhead Pond (tickets are still available for Sunday's show), the electronic music enthusiasts gave a mature, focused, two-hour, 20-song performance that pulled from the group's rich catalog of ``Violator,'' ``Songs of Faith and Devotion,'' ``Ultra'' and (its current release) ``Exciter'' while also dipping into such golden oldies as ``Black Celebration'' and ``Music for the Masses.''

The performance also showcased a rock edge and blues base, thanks to Martin Gore's grinding guitar work, Christian Eigner's energetic drumming, the harmonious backup vocals of Janet Ramus and Jordan Bailey (who also appeared on ``The Singles'' tour), and Dave Gahan's commanding stage presence.

The sparse stage arrangement was complemented by a large projection screen, situated behind the band, that flashed images and films courtesy of video director-photographer Anton Corbijn.

Unlike the previous ``Singles'' and ``Devotional' tours, which highlighted many of the group's hits, this outing dished out some smashes, but also such lesser-known Depeche devotee favorites as ``Surrender,'' ``Waiting for the Night'' and ``Clean.''

In front of a capacity crowd of 11,500 and during an extended hook from ``Dream On,'' the Mode machine, bathed in red light, sauntered on stage one by one. The group then launched into the cranked-up ``Dead of Night,'' which brags about all of rock's destructive excesses, something this band knows well. This time around, however, Gahan, Gore and Andy Fletcher can poke fun at the downward spiral.

Gahan, in a black vest and pants, ran around the stage and pounded his chest playing the rock-god role to maximum effect. Gore, strumming away on the guitar, was a stark contrast in an all-white ensemble that included feathers wrapped around his shoulders and a leg-binding chain. Fletcher, the subtlest of the three, stood behind a keyboard, periodically provoking the audience to bring on cheers and applause.

The group kept the volume pumped with ``Walking in My Shoes'' and ``Dream On,'' but then went into mellow mode with a series of ballads that gave Gore's vocal prowess a chance to shine.

Even with these down moments, audience energy never diminished. The crowd stayed on its feet the entire night and always had several cheers for Gahan's hip shakes.

The group kicked it into full throttle with a seven-song selection of hits that ranged from ``Enjoy the Silence'' and ``I Feel You'' to ``It's No Good'' and ``Personal Jesus.''

DEPECHE MODE

Where: Arrowhead Pond, 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim.

When: 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets: Sold out Saturday, $42 to $77 Sunday. For information: [phone] or www.arrowheadpond.com.

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Photo:

Depeche Mode lead singer Dave Gahan worked the rock-star persona to the hilt Tuesday at Staples Center.

Brittany M. Solo/Staff Photographer