In the Flat Field [Remastered]

by Bauhaus

Overview

Few debut albums ever arrived so nearly perfectly formed; that In the Flat Field practically single-handedly invented what remains for many as the stereotype of goth music -- wracked, at times spindly vocals about despair and desolation of many kinds, sung over mysterious and moody music -- demonstrates the sui generis power of both the band and its work. This said, perhaps the best thing about the album isn't what it's supposed to sound like, but what it actually does -- an awesomely powerful, glam-inspired rock band firing on all fours, capable of restraint and complete overdrive both, fronted by a charismatic, storming frontman. Starting with the challenging angst of "Double Dare," with shattering guitar over a curious but fierce stop-start rhythm while Murphy rages ever more strongly over the top, In the Flat Field contains a wide variety of inspirations and ideas. The astonishingly precise rhythm section of David J and Haskins pulls off a variety of jaw-dropping performances, including the high-paced tension of the title track and the brooding crawl from "Spy in the Cab." Ash, much like his longtime hero Mick Ronson, turns out to be a master of turning relatively simple guitar parts into apocalyptic explosions, from the background fills on "St. Vitus Dance" to the brutal descending chords of "Stigmata Martyr." Murphy, meanwhile, channels as much Iggy Pop as he does Bowie, proving to be no simple copyist of either, able to both maniacally sing-shout and take a somewhat lighter touch throughout. Concluding with the seven-minute "Nerves," an aptly titled piece that alternates between understated energy and unleashed power toward a dramatic ending, In the Flat Field started off Bauhaus' album career with a near-perfect bang. ~ Ned Raggett

Product Details

Release Date:	02/05/2013
Label:	4Ad
UPC:	0652637290110
Rank:	22480

Tracks

Disc 1

1. Double Dare
2. In The Flat Field
3. A God In An Alcove
4. Dive
5. The Spy In The Cab
6. Small Talk Stinks
7. St. Vitus Dance
8. Stigmata Martyr
9. Nerves

Disc 2

10. Double Dare
11. In The Flat Field
12. A God In An Alcove
13. Dive
14. The Spy In The Cab
15. Small Talk Stinks
16. St. Vitus Dance
17. Stigmata Martyr
18. Nerves

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bauhaus   Primary Artist
David J   Piano,Vocals,Guitar (Bass)
Daniel Ash   Vocals,Saxophone,Guitar (Electric)
Kevin Haskins   Drums,Percussion
Peter Murphy   Vocals

Technical Credits

Bauhaus   Producer,Arranger,Composer
David J   Producer
John Cale   Composer
Mike Robinson   Engineer
Marc Bolan   Composer
Daniel Ash   Composer,Producer
Tony Cook   Engineer
Kevin Haskins   Composer,Producer
Peter Murphy   Composer,Producer
John Sparrow   Producer
David Jay   Composer
Duane Michals   Photography