Dark Angel (Issue #16)

Siouxsie And The Banshees
"The Rapture"
(Polydor)

The first new Siouxsie and The Banshees l.p. since 1991's Supersititon l.p. The amazing thing about this band is that the core of the band, Siouxsie, and bass player, Steven Severin have kept the band together since September 1976! They have outlived most of the class of 76-77 U.K. punk bands at the time, an incredible accomplishment. The l.p. is produced by veteran musician and producer John Cale in Siouxsie and drummer/husband Budgie's home town these days, France, and mixed in the U.K. and New York. Much time and thought over the last four years has gone into the lyrics and song structure on this record. The Banshees' sound over the years, for me, has always been Budgie's unique drumming and Siouxsie's strong vocal style. They have a very distinguished sound which is instantly apparent on the first two singles of the l.p., "Oh Baby" and "Stargazer". The l.p. takes a few listens to get into, but once you let the sound wash over you like an ocean breeze, it really draws! you in.

Phil MacDougall

Contributed by Michael Isaak.