Alternative Music

Bauhaus - 'Going Away White'

(Bauhaus Music)

By ERIN MAXWELL

'Going Away White'

Bauhaus, the iconic band that helped define the Goth movement, offers a good sampling of the group's unique flavor on their first disc in more than two decades, "Going Away White." First two tracks, the almost upbeat "Too Much 21st Century" and "Adrenalin," smartly demonstrate Daniel Ash's textured guitar work and frontman Peter Murphy's vocals offer a strong backbone to the lively, yet dark, melodies. Peppy -- well, as peppy as the band can get -- songs such as "Black Stone Heart" and "International Bulletproof Talent" will eventually find its place on the dance floors of DDT, Helter Skelter, or any other church-themed afterhours club.

While it is a cohesive effort overall, not everything works. "The Dog's A Vapour" (released on the "Heavy Metal 2000" soundtrack) and "Saved" take the band's sinister sound a bit over the edge to the point of parody. "Mirror Remains" is a throwback to the Brit rockers classic pitch-black tones, but the vocals seem disjointed and not suited for the tune.