Tinderbox - Siouxsie & The Banshees

[lbworshiper]

Back in 1976, Siouxsie and the Banshees started a twenty-year career with a live appearance during which their only intent was to get thrown offstage. From those humble punk beginnings, the Banshees went on to craft numerous fine albums before calling it quits in 1996. Taking a look at their discography, it would be hard to argue that the Banshees enjoyed their most productive period during the 1980's - a time period which saw them release strong efforts such as Juju and Hyaena. 1986's Tinderbox continued the Banshees roll and is every bit essential as the previously mentioned albums.

Through the years, the Banshees core remained the same - Siouxsie Sioux on vocals; Budgie (drums) and Steven Severin on bass and keyboards. However, the band tended to burn through more than their fair share of guitarists, including the late John McGeoch and Cure leader Robert Smith. Tinderbox was no exception, introducing yet another guitarist - former Clock DVA member John Valentine Carruthers.

Music listeners will most likely be familiar with the danceable Cities In Dust, written after the band toured the ruins at Pompeii. Its bouncy synthesizers and bell ringing keyboards are instantly recognizable to Banshees fans. Having trouble placing it? The band "performed" the track in the club scene in the 1986 Michael Anthony Hall film Out of Bounds. 92 Degrees is based upon the interesting theory that more murders are committed at 92 degrees Fahrenheit than at any other temperature. Budgie's drumming is military-precise while Valentine Carruthers displays some nice chiming/droning guitar work.

Fans of early Banshees albums such as the harsh, abrasive Join Hands might argue that Tinderbox is too polished. When compared to efforts such as The Scream, it is more polished, and it's not the work of an outside producer. The Banshees began producing their own albums in 1982, subsequently making each album easier on the ears. Tinderbox still rocks, though - it's just an easier listen. (Note of interest - the Banshees reportedly hired album mixer Steve Churchyard because they liked his name.)

Check out the CD's opener, Candyman. Budgie's urgent drumming works well with Severin's lead bass riffs. Carruthers cuts through it all with aggressive, swirling guitars. Yet it's neither harsh nor noisy. The nyah nyah nyah background vocals are a nice touch as well - this is not the same band who once bashed their way through a caustic version of The Lord's Prayer. Cannons works in a similar vein - Budgie's tribal-style drumming keeps the energy up, while Carruthers ringing acoustic guitars carry the melody.

This Unrest shifts slow/fast tempo's a few times, with some neat backward vocals thrown in for a scary effect. Listen for a pretty piano piece midway, setting up some tight riffing by Carruthers. The somewhat angelic choir-style background that sneaks in at one point is a nice touch, too. Budgie's precise drumming drives the gorgeous Lands End as it builds from passionate ballad to driving rocker. Siouxsie gives a great vocal performance as she invites a lover to share a moonlit floor and a walk by the sea. It was a fitting end to the original album/cassette.

The CD version adds five bonus tracks, including an unnecessary extended remix of Cities In Dust. I never saw it as an improvement over the original version - the drums are brought up high into the mix and there is an extended instrumental section. I would rather have another unreleased track than the remix, personally. One bonus that I do like (but others may find appalling) is the rather gruesome An Execution. Siouxsie's British accent works well as she describes a girl watching a group of soldiers sowing another soldier up inside the belly of a dying horse, condemning him to death inside the horse. The piano on the track is quite beautiful, contrasting with the screaming guitars and grim subject matter. The title of The Quarterdrawing of the Dog conjures up just as horrific an image. Luckily, it's merely a bouncy, happy instrumental. Budgie's flawless drumming and a catchy keyboard should have one whistling along as they listen.

After breaking up in 1996, husband and wife Siouxsie and Budgie concentrated on their Creatures project, while Steven Severin scored films. The band reunited in 2002 for a tour, resulting in the live album The Seven Year Itch. Siouxsie and Budgie are touring this summer, presenting a combination Banshees/Creatures show. If you can catch it, do so - the band always put on a theatrical show during their heyday.

If you polled Banshees fans on a favorite Banshees album, you wouldn't get a definitive answer. Tinderbox should come up frequently, though. It's a great starting point for someone new to the band to begin exploring.

[:0]

[cubby]

Dave, excellent review. Tinderbox has always been one of my favorite Banshee albums. I remember playing it to death in the summer of 1986. I was curious though, did you just write this review? You mention Siouxsie and Budgie touring this summer. I be

[lbworshiper]

Hehe, I have a couple of reviews in the bank. Tinderbox was one of them. You got a point there! I don't think she's going to tour this summer...[:(]