Siouxsie And The Banshees: Superstition (180g) Vinyl 2LP

"Kiss Them For Me," the first single from Superstition, samples the drums from Schoolly-D's "P.S.K. (What Does It Mean?)." When the tablas, courtesy of Talvin Singh, kick in and Siouxsie Sioux starts singing the infectious melody, it's a wrap. Siouxsie And The Banshees' 10th album, originally released in 1991, features a proper mix of poppier tunes and demure goth rock moments. Stephen Hague, who's worked with the Pet Shop Boys and New Order produced the 11-tracker, is responsible for the more accessible sound that characterizes the project, and although Superstition is lacking some of the darker, grittier edge that's defined Siouxsie And The Banshees' earlier works, it is a memorable body of work. Check out the dreampop of "Softly," or the energetic "Fear (of the unknown)." "Ghost In You," & "Shadowtime" are slowed-down, atmospheric pop numbers, and of course there is the aforementioned "Kiss Them For Me," the band's first foray into the Billboard top 40.

• 180g pressing
• mastered and cult half-speed at Abbey Road Studio, London
• etched side D
• music label: 1991 / 2018 Polydor

reviewed by rei kwondo 10/18