I am really big fan of JuJu for many of the same reasons I like this record: there’s this balance between the dark. “gothic” lyrics and Siouxsie Sioux’s vocals, and the often shimmering neo-psychedelic guitar and sound effects. But I definitely get a sense of deja vu.
And I get that sense even though this album is ostensibly the band’s most experimental, both according to critics and to the band members themselves.
‘Experimental’ should be used in a relative sense here because though what they with the organs and pipes and bells and things is weird for them, it’s hardly weird for other neo-psychedelic bands, or other post punk bands, or what have you.
But that doesn’t mean the album is unsuccessful; far from it. Even though the record does sound a little too much like JuJu to me, the weird departures from their sound are enough to keep me interested. Moreover, I think the set of songs is particularly strong for them: one of the songs is one of their catchiest ever and there are a few that standout as mong their better songs.
So despite its reputation as the self-consciously experimental album, it’s a strong set of songs and still different enough from JuJu to be interesting.
8/10
Read my reviews of music from 1982 or read all my reviews of albums by the Banshees.
All lyrics written by Siouxsie Sioux, except where noted; all music composed by Sioux, Steven Severin, John McGeoch, Budgie.
- “Cascade” (Severin) 4:25
- “Green Fingers” 3:33
- “Obsession” 3:51
- “She’s a Carnival” (Severin) 3:39
- “Circle” 5:22
- “Melt!” (Severin) 3:47
- “Painted Bird” 4:15
- “Cocoon” 4:29
- “Slowdive” 4:24
- Siouxsie Sioux – vocals, bells on “Obsession”, production
- Steven Severin – bass guitar, six-string bass guitar on “Slowdive”, organ on “Painted Bird”, production
- John McGeoch – guitar, keyboards on “Cocoon”, “Circle” and “Cascade”, recorder on “Green Fingers”, production
- Budgie – drums, percussion, harmonica on “Slowdive”, production
- Caroline Lavelle – cello on “Obsession”
- Anne Stephenson – violin on “Obsession” and “Slowdive”
- Virginia Hewes – violin on “Obsession” and “Slowdive”