Monday, 5/12/97 Soundbites Depeche Mode "Ultra" (Mute/ Reprise) After a three-year break full of angst and drama, the seminal synth-pop band from Britain are back with "Ultra," the album that probably should have been released between their megahit, "Violator," and 1993’s rocking "Songs of Faith and Devotion." Minus synth mastermind Alan Wilder, Depeche Mode have found a sound that falls between their older keyboard-goth and the guitar-driven sound they’ve been developing with their last two albums. Read more...

Friday, 5/9/97 Coming out of Nowhere Actor James Duval, star of the controversial new film ‘Nowhere,’ explains why he plans to continue taking on roles in independent, groundbreaking cinema. Read more...

Friday, 5/9/97 ‘Dames & Dicks’ explores appeal of film noir style By Brandon Wilson Daily Bruin Staff It will be the duty of future film historians, social critics, or perhaps psychologists to explain why film noir has enjoyed such a resurgence in the 1990s. Read more...

Friday, 5/9/97 Offspring smash their way to fans’ hearts at Palladium Success hasn’t dulled Orange County band’s intense but accessible brand of punk By Michael Nazarinia Daily Bruin Contributor What’s a power punk band from Orange County supposed to do when it has sold over 8 million records? Read more...

Friday, 5/9/97 SCREENSCENE Reviews: "Twin Town" and "Nowhere" "Twin Town" Directed by Kevin Allen Starring Llyr Evans and Rhys Ifans Oh, the film business in Wales is just brimming with excitement these days. Read more...

Friday, 5/9/97 Pianist masters language of music By Susan Lee Daily Bruin Contributor In all simplicity, the piano is just another piece of wood, no different than a desk, chair or building. Read more...

Thursday, 5/8/97 Lutefisk adds an extra ‘fisk’ for their fans in live shows Interview with lead guitarist Frosting reveals a ‘sweeter’ man By Vanessa VanderZanden Daily Bruin Contributor They named their band after a Norwegian fish dish which stinks up a house for 30 days. Read more...