BAUHAUS
Gotham (Metropolis)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Seems rather redundant doesn't it: another live record from the original Goth boys of Northampton? Funny how sixteen years blow by. Press the Eject and Give Me the Tape could hardly be improved upon, but you can't berate the boys for offering up another quick one for all the masses who missed the boat the first time around. As a document of the highly successful reunion tour, this recording stands as an exemplary historic double platter of the greatest Goth band ever. No argument there. But what Bauhaus possessed (they are gone yet again), is something more. They had the gift of rock; a seamless, effortless vitality, a musical camaraderie and a burning stage presence. Anyone drawn to the reunion gigs must have been apprehensive, for so many of these things fall flat, and leave heroes as goats. Bauhaus managed to avoid all that, and sounded and looked every bit as exciting and dangerous as they had when Bela was first unleashed. Gotham captures it, as much as any recording could, but still, you had to be there.

© 2000 - John Sekerka