Recording of Siouxsie and the Banshees fifth album started in May, 1982. Long hours in the studio fueled by a flurry of love, drugs and alcohol sees the band record the experimental A Kiss In The Dreamhouse. The dark and foreboding sound of “Cascade” opens the album with various sound effects swirling in the background, Siouxsie singing “Echoing the revolver/Emptying into my mouth”. “Obsession” is more stripped down but no less dark – a spooky atmosphere surrounds it, this contrasts with the recorder opening and shimmering guitar sound of “Green Fingers”.
Serious topics are explored on “Circle” – the circle of abuse and pain spins around and around. Based on the book, the pounding drums of “Painted Bird” drive home the story of bizarre animal abuse. The band even manages to sing about S+M, dominance and death on the single “Melt!” The dark sounds do provide brighter moments. The percussive sound of “She’s A Carnival”, complete with organ outro, and the (maybe) gothic dance craze described on “Slowdive” add a dash of fun. A Kiss In The Dreamhouse is a rollicking bit of dark theatre that still entices 40+ years later.
8/10
The Light Appears 