Strings, recorder, piano, chimes… A Kiss In The Dreamhouse is Siouxsie And The Banshees' 5th studio album, originally released in 1982. Considered one of the more experimental works from the goth pioneers, the LP, which is the last to feature guitarist John McGeoch, is characterized by the band's use of a variety of instruments and studio effects, which brings about a lush texture to the tracks. A Kiss… is also widely considered to be a precursor to shoegaze, having influenced groups like Cocteau Twins and Slowdive; the latter band took its name from the track "Slowdive" from this album. This record might not sound like anything else in The Banshees' catalog but is an essential marker in the group's career, as it is a shifting point and showcases its versatility—dream pop, psych, jazz… The band is able to arrange a wide range of styles and sound awesome doing it. Highlights include "Cascade," "Slowdive," "Melt!," and "Obsession," but this is an album that's better consumed as a whole. 180g double vinyl remastered and cut half-speed at Abbey Road Studios.

• 180g vinyl
• mastered and cut half-speed at Abbey Road Studios, London
• music label: Polydor 1982 / 2018

reviewed by rei kwondo 10/18