In The Flat Field

Performer: Bauhaus
Producer: Bauhaus
Distributor: Alternative Dis. Alliance

Notes: Bauhaus: Kevin Haskins, David Jay, Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash. In 1980, after almost single-handedly inventing the "Goth" genre with their debut single, "Bela Lugosi's Dead," Bauhaus recorded IN THE FLAT FIELD for England's influential 4AD label. This CD retains the rather original album's rather daring cover art (a nude male figure) but adds eight tracks from early singles (though not "Bela�," unfortunately) to the 4AD issue's nine. IN THE FLAT FIELD is classic and influential, a deadly combination. Though Bauhaus may be labeled as "Goth," the pealing feedback that opens the disc ("Dark Entries") and the anguished howl in the first line of "Double Dare" ("I dare you to be real!") prove that they arrive with the same punk rock pedigree as many of their contemporaries. Peter Murphy's vocals very nearly dominate the proceedings. By turns, he declaims, wails, and sings-even speaking in tongues on "Stigmata Martyr." His lyrics draw from popular culture, from Greek mythology, and from everything in between. The rhythm section of brothers David Jay (bass) and Kevin Haskins (drums) provides a flexible but extremely forceful backbone to Daniel Ash's squalling, often distorted, guitar sound. Make no mistake. This is a rock record-and one of the best, at that.

Q (12/99, p.170) - Included in Q Magazine's Best Gothic Albums Of All Time - "...it remains the definitive statement: a taut, unsettling canvas rich with vampiric imagery...and the dungeonly baritone of Maxell advert's Pete Murphy."

Ultimately, Bauhaus became known as the godfathers of the goth scene, but their brief, prolific career (1979-1983) showed far more stylistic variation than their progeny might suggest. They mixed Bowie/Eno-influenced postpunk with dub, electronics, and a moody sense of songcraft that was both unnerving and infectious. After the group's breakup, singer Peter Murphy went on to a solo career, while guitarist David J formed the considerably poppier Love And Rockets. From 1998 on, the band would occasionally re-form for concert tours.

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