It took some persuasion for me to finally invest in Bauhaus’ latest and (presumably) final album. Not just because it’s difficult to recreate the magic a quarter of a century after they last released new material but also because Bauhaus seemed rather inconsistent on their albums. However, as 1998’s compilation ‘Crackle’ confirmed, their best moments put together proved them to be an inventive and dramatic outfit whose most thrilling moments still have an influence. The word “thrilling” only occasionally applies to ‘Go Away White’ but it’s a dignified return, which makes surprisingly good use of a mere three weeks in the studio.
Given the limited time the band members played together, the songs have a predictably raw intensity. Nevertheless, Peter Murphy’s ghostly howl has lost not a jot of its power whilst Daniel Ash’s guitar remains a violent instrument cutting through the night sky. ‘Undone’ is classic Bauhaus with Murphy’s vocal crossing between shrieking and a low moan whilst howling guitar and the Haskins brothers’ rhythm section forge a tight, intense backing. I was also highly impressed with ‘The Dog’s A Vapour’: a five-minute mood piece until all band members unleash the sound of pure horror. It’s also a record where Bauhaus prove they weren’t just the definitive goth band but also ones who could embrace glam (’Too Much 21st Century’, ‘Adrenalin’), moody ambience (’Saved’) as well as bit of banter between band members (’Mirror Remains’). Overall, not bad at all for eighteen days’ work.
Web Sites:
Bauhaus Official Site
Bauhaus MySpace
Further Listening:
David Bowie, Virgin Prunes, Magazine
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