Review
'Tinderbox' dropped in '86, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride through Siouxsie and the Banshees' ever-evolving soundscape. This isn't your run-of-the-mill rock album; it's a bold leap into uncharted sonic territory. The band brought in John Valentine Carruthers on guitar, and his fresh blood injected a whole new energy into their sound.
The electronic elements on this record are off the charts. Steven Severin's DX-7 synth work is like nothing you've heard before, pushing the boundaries of what alternative rock could be. And don't even get me started on 'Cities in Dust' - that track alone is a masterclass in blending electronic and percussive elements. Budgie's drumming and Carruthers' versatile guitar work create this hypnotic rhythmic backbone that'll have you nodding along before you even realize it.
Siouxsie Sioux's vocals, as always, are the star of the show. Her distinctive voice cuts through the innovative instrumentation, adding layers of emotion and depth to every track. It's no wonder this album resonated with so many people, climbing the charts in both the UK and US. The band's decision to self-produce, with a little mixing help from Steve Churchyard, really paid off - 'Tinderbox' sounds as fresh and exciting today as it did back in '86. It's a testament to Siouxsie and the Banshees' ability to keep pushing the envelope and redefining what alternative rock could be. - Riley