have you seen the cover for siouxsie debut solo album ?

it has to be said the vibrant colours of the bugs and butterflies (as referenced in the strangeness of freaky jazz track, drone zone), the beautiful layout, and siouxsie looking stunning and gorgeous.

yet, for all the glamour on display, there is an obvious edge, a distant coldness on display in the eyes, which having read the interview in mojo recently is very much part of the gothic temptresses appeal and charm, something i believe to be a refreshing and welcome change from the usual game players that dominate the current scene. 

having been a player in the post punk, goth, pop, world for 20 plus years with her adventures with the banshees, and the more dance focused experiments of the creatures, the girl has never had any desire to play the game, after all, she didn’t when she started off as the well connected media baiting punk, and now as an established icon, has chosen to still do exactly as she pleases.

thankfully, such individuality is matched by the music that siouxsie has chosen for this 10 track, 41 minute peek into her personality.

from the admittedly somewhat uninspiring garbage styled industrial noise of album openers, into a swan, and about to happen, to the far more interesting fucked up big brass band electro workings of here comes the day, via the epic orchestral beauty of the if it doesn’t kill you, the musical backing rarely drifts into the world of generic expectation.

i’m pleased to report, that this is no easy listening covers album for the michael parkinson crowd, instead the spread of genres makes for a wonderfully diverse listen.

the majority of the music has been crafted by wall of sound affiliated studio boffins, steve evans and charlie jones, who have crafted aural settings that rarely detract from that voice which is, of course, the main focus of attention throughout, but still sparkle with delicate touches of restrained experimentation, thus making each spin a more enjoyable journey.

special mention must go out to the the album closer, heaven and alchemy, which, if given a single release, and siouxsie allows the promotion game to take hold, could be in with the chance of getting a slot on all the chart massaging shows, the sheer beauty of the piano opening, choral over dubs, and frosty lyrics, result in a spine tinglingly brilliant song, making you wish the track was longer than the teasing 4 minutes.

so, despite the fact that siouxsie has flown the nest, when it comes to ear pleasing leftfield pop music, this girl is still queen bee.

 

more detail : here