Siouxsie And The Banshees – Peepshow

Siouxsie And The Banshees – Peepshow

Released in 1988, Peepshow is the ninth studio album from Siouxsie And The Banshees, marking another striking evolution in the sound of one of Britain's most influential post-punk bands. While retaining the darker atmosphere and adventurous spirit of their earlier work, the album introduces a more colourful, theatrical, and rhythmically sophisticated approach, incorporating elements of alternative rock, psychedelic pop, art rock, and world music.

The album opens with the infectious "Peek-A-Boo," one of the band's most distinctive songs and a major departure from their earlier guitar-driven sound. Built around a sample-heavy, accordion-led arrangement and Siouxsie Sioux's commanding vocal, it demonstrates the band's willingness to experiment while maintaining an unmistakable identity.

"The Killing Jar" follows with a darker, more dramatic atmosphere, while "Scarecrow" and "Carousel" explore increasingly intricate arrangements. "Burn Up" closes the first side with a more energetic and guitar-focused performance.

Side two opens with "Ornaments Of Gold", before moving through the atmospheric "Turn To Stone" and the unsettling "Rawhead And Bloodybones." The beautifully arranged "The Last Beat Of My Heart" is one of the album's emotional highlights, combining exotic instrumentation with a deeply expressive vocal performance.

The album concludes with the expansive "Rhapsody," bringing Peepshow to a suitably dramatic close. Its rich textures and shifting arrangements reflect a band continuing to evolve rather than simply repeating the gothic and post-punk formula of their earlier records.

Peepshow is an important album in the development of alternative and gothic rock, demonstrating Siouxsie And The Banshees' remarkable ability to reinvent themselves while retaining their distinctive personality. Its influence can be heard across alternative rock, gothic music, indie, and experimental pop.

Essential for fans of The Cure, The Birthday Party, Magazine, Bauhaus, Echo & The Bunnymen, PJ Harvey, and alternative 1980s rock, Peepshow is a fascinating and highly individual record from one of post-punk's most innovative bands.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Peek-A-Boo – 3:10
2. The Killing Jar – 4:04
3. Scarecrow – 5:06
4. Carousel – 4:25
5. Burn Up – 4:32

Side B

1. Ornaments Of Gold – 3:49
2. Turn To Stone – 4:05
3. Rawhead And Bloodybones – 2:29
4. The Last Beat Of My Heart – 4:29
5. Rhapsody – 6:24