If I had any form of musical ability and decided to start a band my only influence would be Bauhaus. Why? Because everything I adore about music is found in this band. The are all too often labelled as Goth Rock. Personally, I disagree. I’d label them as fucking out of this world. Sadly, that’s not a genre. If it was, I’d throw a few in that genre.

Bauhaus formed in sunny Northampton (no idea if it is sunny there, I thought I’d be kind) way back in the late 70s. Their first album was released if I’m not mistaken, in 1980. In Flat Field will always be one of the most fantastic and inspiring debut albums of all time. Is it their best work? Well, Bauhaus NEVER made a poor record, EVER. Every album is just perfect. The production has always been tight and the musicianship just stunning. When the debut album was released, many just slated it. I have no idea why. I guess maybe they thought it was “cool” to slay a band that was doing something different. Thing is, they gave off negative feedback to the ones started for a genre of music that has inspired so many. More fool them. Every track on their debut grabs you by the fucking throat them just cradles you in a strange, comforting way.

I want to discuss the importance of their third album, The Sky’s Gone Out- more importantly the track Exquisite Corpse. Easily my favourite track EVER by the group. The way Peter Murphy sings “Life is but a dream” acapella at the start of the track, then the drums kick in HARD. Then we get everything else pouring in; it’s just mind-blowing. Then it goes quite a minute or so in- then it kicks in again with keyboards. It’s just so damn perfect. It’s over 5 minutes of sheer Heaven. I just want to listen to it over and over, all the time. I could never ever get bored of this song.

Peter Murphy is such a fascinating person on so many levels. He is a stunning front-man; totally underrated. I have no idea why this is so. He just delievers every single song with such passion, fury, lust and power. His voice is incredible and distinctive. He is the blueprint of what a front-man should be. Many have regarded him as the Godfather of Goth. Maybe this is the case. He is just the definition of a true front-man. Those cheekbones, his stage presence- he is a work of art. His solo work is wonderful too.

If it wasn’t for Bauhaus, I honestly have no idea what kind of music I’d be into. They introduced me into so many different bands. They didn’t just change my life, they inspired something. They still do now. Maybe I’d still be a lost cause if it wasn’t for them; or maybe I still am one. I have no idea, all I know is that Bauhaus are that glimmer of hope I cling onto when there isn’t much else to grip.