Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Perfect. One of my favourite albums ever. In the Flatfield is also great of course, but this one contains Mask.
A great album that is really fascinating with its... groove. Yes, that's right. Bauhaus never wanted to be labeled as 'gothic rock'. While their music is dark and the title track shows this perfectly (as 'Hollow Hills', my favourite) other songs really put the drums and bass to the forefront and let it roll nicely. If you read up on the band it's not that surprising since they loved reggae. All in all, this album is an atmospheric journey that keeps you invested in each track. One of the highlights of this list.
Bauhaus makes goth music fun. This album was a blueprint for so many goth bands that followed but what makes it stand out is the total uniqueness of the music itself.
In the muggy serenity of a red sky morning, I revisit this dichromatic glam rock gem, which I first heard on a chilly, acid soaked night/morning thirty three years prior. Still high. Not as high. Still high, though. Different times, ya see. "Goth", as I came to understand, signifies nothing but black and white silver screen teenage glam. As a genre of popular music, its useful to understand that these sorts of labels are the inventions of critics who, regardless of other ideological considerations about the phenomenology of music, all want to be great taxonomists: the Coiner of a Genre Name. A band like Bauhaus, like the punks before them, were studied in the same artists and records. The Velvets, The Stooges, Bowie, Roxy Music and all the great Dub Reggae that were floating around the UK. In the US, the latter really wasn't a thing; Aside from the phenomenal Christian Death out of LA, The Doors got substituted for the Dub, and well, if you like Jimbo Lizardpants, have at it. The difference is depth and proportion; The original punks, by and large, loved the immediacy of what can be done with four rock n roll chords when played fast. The best, in my opinion, went from there. The rest got mohawks and established the official sartorial choices. Bauhaus went hard into the weird psychodramas of early Bowie, communed with the deep cut VU, favorited masochistic love songs, Bryan Ferry's silver screen louche and ennui stricken debonair, the absolute basslines of Dub. And, clearly, explored the rabbit holes only fans will follow. Bowie hero Scott Walker. The art rock of John Cale, Nico, and Eno. All of it theatrical. All Glam. Theatrical kids are drawn to the theatrical, the dramatic to the dramatic. Throw in silent and mid-century art films. Bauhaus. That first impression was of the self-contained universe the album created. It had its own physics. The bass is rainbow gravity, and everything else bounces around, with songs forming like cloudshapes, instruments and sounds objects in the sky, death ray guitars, Peter Murphy, sounding like Iggy Bowie at their most decrepit and spent, offering commentary. Vapor trails. Disquietude. Exiliration and the ecstasy of the psychic connection one can have with a record: the mind meld. Bauhaus. These years later, and still high, though different shit, different times (fuck you teenage me; I got a license to Ill), and, aside from time permitting me to really explore the same rabbit holes as Bauhaus; proceeding from the same sources. That exploration led me to same places, a, and I am able to spot the same influences. Edge Lords, naturally, would declare this as derivative and therefore, shit, and return to glaring women out of the record store. Edge Lords are Rogans—obvious and obtuse. Tree-spotters, if you like. What Bauhaus do, song to song, is take those things, and remake them inside of their universe. What if John Cale had Dub as inspiration. What would the low end on "Sister Ray" sound like? And what would the imagined black and white movie look like? Theatrical. Glam. One of my absolute all -time favorites "The Passion of Lovers" is the second track, all melodrama and with a huge hook, and all of it sounds new. "Of Lillies and Remains" teleports the VU's "Lady Godiva's Operation" into a twisted Victorian parlour drama starring Conrad Veidt. "Hollow Hills" is pure pagan horror. Everything on this album is completely compelling. My first impression was the correct impression, and my appreciation has only deepened for this epic dichromatic glam classic. Within its universe, I find myself appreciating the fine details, the nuances, the shifting context of then and now. I guess I haven't mellowed—at least not in the important ways. Me and my licensed Mowie Wowie found the experience amazing.
the perfect mix of sad dance music, going on my repeat listen list
Goth boiz
I had a really good time listening to this. Bauhaus have always just escaped my listening so I'm glad to have finally sat down and had a crack and this weas really just a great album. What a fantastic voice for all of the spoken word sections as well, gave me chills at times
Chaotic but pleasant. Kinda like clown core but British
Godfathers of Gothic. exceptional album
"In Fear of Fear" was my favorite. This is a little Joy Division and a little Siouxsie Sioux. It was raw, simple, and a great, dark listen. Good stuff.
After sitting through 2 weeks of mediocrity I'm probably rating this higher than I would normally, but it is also some really interesting post punk
9/10 wonderful album from beginning to end I liked this a little bit more than their first album too
Great album to get in October, definitely get spooky vibes. Great album overall.
Fantastic!
Good goth fun.
I love this type of sound, absolute genius
very cool
Kamalt El Hadra 8.M Rbo3 Etheleth M 3l Bouheli Mte3 Dostoevsky.
mask is the second album by bauhaus, and it's said to be one of the best examples of gothic rock music out there. compared to their first release, the group tossed around a bit more when it comes to genre influence and instrumentation. peter murphy, the vocalist for the group said in an interview that he really wanted to make each song sound different from the last. wow, gothic rock is certainly right. rock music that isn't afraid to get murky, mysterious and romantic... compared to other goth music, this set of tracks has a cuh-RAZY groovy, dancey quality to it; makes it fall together with other early 80s alt rock albums i think. it also has some crunchy mastering. the drumming is very notable to me. not every track i got interested in, which stinks, but it was cool. i guess if there's one other bit of praise i can give? i'm OBSESSED with that cover.
I prefer the darkness of In The Flat Field, but this is still great.
Muy bueno, sumamente experimental! Lo curioso es que todo lo que probaron en esa época ahora lo siento como parte de la norma o estándar en la actualidad, entonces es impresionante ver lo adelantados que estaban a su época este grupo El álbum se enfoca en una especie de híbrido entre punk e industrial pero suave, no creo que llegue necesariamente al estilo de The Cure, pero si va montandose un poco en esa ola, entonces quizás hasta podamos agregarle el género de New Age Muchas canciones me gustaron, pero principalmente Mask Honestamente este es un álbum reescuchable y un infravalorado, sé que hay algunas personas que lo han recomendado por aquí y por allá, pero son personas de nicho definitivamente, lo cual quiere decir que he estado en círculos interesantes del internet, que quisieron hacerme encontrar con Bauhaus, pero no fue sino ahora que el momento llego y fue valioso
This music was eerie, dark, and bass-heavy, but it was also groovy somehow. I haven't really explored much Bowie and gothic music on this project so far, but I thought this was better than other things I've listened to in that vein.
Godfathers of goth deliver. Bass parts alone make it worth it. Danceable in stretches. Not as gloomy as they say.
The first time I heard of Bauhaus was thanks to a Spotify playlist called goth rock/post punk (I know, the most generic name possible). It has a bunch of songs by this band. And just like with The Cure's album Pornography, I was already familiar with the songs on this album, but out of the original track order, having listened to them on a shuffled playlist. But the album is very good for the genre. I give it 4 stars.
First time hearing this band. I liked the stripped down yet experimental sound. Definitely something I’d listen to again.
Я цей альбом не слухав раніше. Не те щоб я сильно колись вривався по готиці, але їх дебютний слухав колись. На цьому цікавий настрій, арті-готика, яка місцями стає відчутно грайливо-дурнуватою (чи який коректний аналог goofy українською), особливо в другій половині. Багато хороших пісень, багато цікавих та більш експериментальних пісень, загравання з дабом. Мені сподобалося слідкувати, як цей альбом рухається і матеріал хороший.
It’s my jam. It reminds me of Television, Magazine and even David Bowie
Nekako sam njih dosad zaobilazila, zanimljiv album, nije moj stil.
When I was in high school my pattern was to get my $10 allowance and get dropped off at the mall. I would display great discipline walking right past the delicious hot sam pretzel and the cool and refreshing orange Julius and straight to Musicland. There i would see how far my money would go, generally buying cassettes of terrible music (Dangerous Toys!). One day I was browsing and Swing the Heartache came into my hands. I can't remember if it was random or if I ran into Darla who steered me in that direction - I associate her more with Skinny Puppy, but I digress. I bought STH of course and it was unlike anything I'd heard. I grew to love those songs as well as the whole aesthetic. I was a jock so I never dressed in black or skated but I did enjoy that subversive group and especially their music (and occasionally their women). I worried that a whole album would be a little too much but I'm really enjoying this.
weird
I'm a bit of a sucker for goth music (even if Bauhaus don't always claim that label) and already knew of Bauhaus from the magnificent "Bela Lugosi's Dead" from their previous record. This album isn't quite as morose as some Goth music can be (after all there's an extensive riff about fishcakes in Peter Murphy's part of "1. David Jay 2. Peter Murphy 3. Kevin Haskins 4. Daniel Ash" on the CD reissu) and even has some Reggae/Dub elements on "In Fear of Fear." The best song on here is probably "The Passion of Lovers," but there really isn't a bad song on here, and it's a bit more accessible than their debut.
Very solid airy goth album. Always been a fan of a few key tracks like Kick In The Eye - which sounds incredible. Some others are rather forgetful though.
Not my personal favourite but it was the first album I bought by them. Full of Gothy goodness
Solid good fun, very gothic. The solid good fun was sarcastic.
Spooky and weird
It should have been In the Flat Field
Kick in the eye is good
Very vibey, atmospheric. Bauhaus's music sounds a bit samey to me after a while, but I do like the sound.
Never been a huge goth guy, but will always appreciate the scene and always appreciate Bauhaus. Massive influences, flawless aesthetic, and a singular sound. It may not always be what I turn to, but I'm very glad it's out there.
These guys have a cool sound. Punkish and gothic... unique and something I'll probably go back to. Lots of energy here. And here the other day a friend of mine was saying she was into gothic punk and I made fun of her saying that didn't exist. Well..... 4/5
chilly creppy eerie Rating=80
Sehr nices Album! Verschiedene Songs und auch die Stimme klingt immer mal wieder anders which is nice
Quite fun that the first song on the album starts with a bassline very reminiscent of Henry Mancini - "Peter Gunn". I'm a fan of The Cure and Joy Division, and this slots right in amongst them. I should listen to more Bauhaus.
love this album, makes me want to visit some old decaying gothic churches. Shame that bauhaus never put bela lugosi's dead on an album, it would have fit here well
Prettayyy, prettay good
Lots of different influences on this compared to previous material. And, for once I'm not using that in the derogatory. This is all pretty solid. It's not a complete departure from their original sound so much as it truly sounds like them experimenting and building upon it. Good release that will definitely get more play from me. I might skip "fishcakes" though.
Can't say I've ever been real into Bauhaus, but I do like this one.
Hold the fish and the potato in your hand ...
4.5 On first listen I honestly thought this was a bit rubbish but then putting it on again I dont know what I was thinking, its great
Ohhh… yes don’t think I ever actually heard this as an album, only got bootlegs and selections on mixtapes growing up. So funny this followed on from a listen to Peter Gabriel’s 1977 debut. I am assuming Peter had quite the studio budget comparatively. The experimental lofi quality of this album was so welcome after Peter’s awful mess because at least these guys KNOW WHAT they’re experimenting about. Thank you cohesion. And that bass rocks! Seriously. Maybe my adult self isn’t quite as taken with the “spooky.” But cohesive experimentation is still my thing. 4. Boolean rating: yes, very glad to hear this as an album after all these years.
Somewhere between a 3 and 4. I think I've only ever hear Bela Legosi's Dead before now, which is obviously a great song, but somehow I was still surprised that I liked this album? It's a little long, and some of the later songs I didn't particularly vibe with, but overall I liked it.
sounds like just about any band i like
vampy and experimental... haciendome un smokey eye mientras escucho 7,75/10
Originele sound, maar uiteindelijk wel veel van hetzelfde in de tweede helft. Net geen 4
I enjoyed this enough, but don't feel like the need to listen to it again. The vocals are mixed extremely low, which I found a bit annoying. But musically it's entertaining enough, and easy to hear that this was pretty influential
A really weird and anxious sounding record, but one that is really fun to listen to. This album is quite varied and I loved the basslines throughout.
Super weird photo goth rock, but it made me want to listen again
Decent album. Very Bowiesque. I would say not their best album but some very strong songs. Better than mid, not stellar though.
It started rough, but why, did it grow on me
Spooky fun times you can dance to. Back in high school I really liked the Bauhaus live album Press The Eject And Give Me The Tape.
Sone great tracks, but also getting weirder towards the end. 7/10 rounded up
Baustelle, Gerstetten, Heidenheim Tolles Album.
Thanks to my mate Shuggy Bauhaus for getting me into good music, starting here. RIP mate!
In the early 80s i had a housemate who was obsessed with Peter Murphy and Bauhaus, so I never had to buy any of these records (and therefore I haven't heard any of them since then). The one track I remember is "Kick in the Eye" - "Kick in the eye! Kick, kick!" Some of this was a little dirgey, but I have no objection to a good gloomy dirge, so that's ok with me. I'm generally up for gloomy/dancey early 80s music, so this was an enjoyable listen, and I'll listen to it again. 4
Hi, hope you enjoyed the album
Loved this. Cool grooves and noises and lyrics. Hate the cover art though.
Art. Not sure about those fishcakes though.
Nasty stuff - brilliant! Favourite tracks: The Passion of Lovers, Hollow Hills, Mask
just looking over this bands discog this seems to be a Bit of a weird choice but i rly rly like it!!! its got this genuinely playful feel to its noisemaking and dancey rhythmic ideas, but there's still a lot of bite to the darkness even just thru the sound alone. i struggle to have a strong preference between the more atmospheric tracks and the dancey ones! im not sure about Some of how theyre sequenced but overall i think they lace into eachother rly nicely. very enveloping and fun to listen to imo! i should hear more bauhaus!!
7 / 10 - gothic und oftmals recht punky - klanglich sehr interessant und extrem abwechslungsreich Favs: - The Passion Of Lovers - Muscle In Plastic
Pretty dope gothic record. Kind of like a more evolved Joy Division. Gonna be in rotation around spooky season.
As one half of Gothic Rock heroes, Houmous & Chutney, I really appreciate what they’ve tried to achieve here. 3.9 2/15 The Passion Of Lovers
Excellent album! Love the sound and influences. A different style of goth rock than me beloved Cure
Levyn alku tosi hyvä, loppu vähän jännä 😅 Mut kivaa synkkää Bauhausia. Tällasta syksy/iltamusaa.
I won't say it's a masterpiece, and you definitely need to be in a specific mood to enjoy this album, but if that's the case the album has some good tracks with surprising melodies. Favorite Tracks : Of Lillies and Remains, Hollow Hills, Kick in the Eye, In Fear of Fear
Surprisingly varied post punk, I will definitely revisit as I thought there was a lot of good songs here. 4 stars.
Dark & menancing. And also quite enjoyable.
Surprisingly good. There were a few songs that I liked less but overall a good punk rock album
Moments were grating, but in a way I weirdly didn't mind.
Nothing here is on the level of Bela Lugosi's dead, but I guess that should be expected because that song is incredible. I already knew I enjoyed Bauhaus (both band and architectural style) so this more or less just reinforced that then suprised me. Of Lilies and Remains reminded me oddly of Blur's Parklife in its spoken word style. The entire thing is very deeply Bowie inspired which is interesting because there's sort of a reciprocal nature of inspiration here with Bowie's final album, Blackstar. It's interesting how the album flickers between harsher songs like Hair of the Dog, and more pop-friendly songs. Also this album taught me how to make fish cakes. I do think unfortunately the songs from Bauhaus I've already heard are significantly better then the songs I hadn't, which made me almost want to give this a 3, but I think it just breaks through to a 4. I get the feeling katie will hate this album.
Light 4. Like a more goth Bowie. Not something I’m going to listen to every day. But perfect music for a certain vibe.
Spooky, gothy, and dark post-punk. Such a cool vibe and extremely influential.
I've always been a bit more into the proto / early goth rock more than the stuff that comes later. I think it's that blending of gothic sensibilities with the sound of post-punk that really intrigues me. There's still an abrasiveness and intrigue that maybe gets a bit smoothed off as the genre evolves.
A bloke I knew at school was really in to Bauhaus. This was such a long time ago that it would have required him taping an album for me, and I never asked. That's a shame, although I don't know how much mid-80s me with long hair and a liking for NWOBHM stuff would have felt about this. I think he went on to art school. That's probably understandable. I played this twice in a row, and I wasn't driving so it wa very much an active choice to do so. I can hear some of the inspiration for the B52's Rock Lobster here, and maybe an echo of Half Man Half Biscuit as well. This is one I'll probably listen to again. It's not life changing, but I kind of wish I had asked Marcus to tape this for me. Maybe it would have been if I'd listened to it aged 14...
This one surprised me in a good way. I was really won over by the end. The Joy Division influence was felt and loved.
Moments of outstanding, atmospheric goth-quality wrapped in mimicry, tipping into Bowie parody, awash with Station to Station disco rhythm, and sprinkled with disjointed menace, packaged in a hammed-up theatricality that may be divisive, but that I enjoyed. And that's really the simplest way to put it. A real borderline 3/4. I'm going to give it the benefit of the doubt as in comparison to many other three-star albums this is trying something a little different.
This is the sound of early 80's alternative British youth culture. It represents a movement, and is culturally important to the development of the Gen X art school student's need to be divergent in the face of normality. It's on my shelves... Heard before ✅️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★★☆ (7/10) Total reviewed : 236 Already owned : 54 Purchased : 12 To buy list : 3 Nope : 167
po eu adoro bauhaus deus abençoe os góticos!! acho incrível tb como os cara chutaram toneladas de reverb no álbum todo por algum motivo (amamos reverb)
PEDRADAÇA!!! pra dançar olhando pro chão e os caraio. fortíssimo esse, nunca prestei mto atenção em bauhaus mas escutarei o resto. bão demais!!!
Goth music
What a cool album. Really enjoyed the sound and vibe of this one. Not heard of it before either!
Wonderfully jagged, early goth rock is a nice way to start my day. The tracks are more succinct than Bela Lugosi's Dead (which itself is a great song). I've bought this album a few years ago, and it's only grown on me.
Seriously, how did Bauhaus slip right past me in the '80s? What was I even doing? This album hit hard, I enjoyed it the first time, but the second listen sealed the deal. It gives off strong early Cure and Echo & the Bunnymen vibes. I'm hooked and ready to explore the rest of their catalog.
4 (Genre defining – Goth Rock) (34:19, 10 tracks, second album, 1981) Goth Rock (post punk) Basically Bauhaus ‘invented’ Goth in 1978, for this reason only I bump it to 4 but it’s a great album. Personally, I prefer Peter Murphy’s solo stuff (more pop friendly) better as I was never a dark robe type. Factoids – • English – OF COURSE – this was Peter Murphy’s first band • Kevin Haskins (drummer) and his older brother David J later played with Love and Rockets. Album cover – not terrible, appealing, generic like their sound Band name – Bauhaus 1919 (first year of the German Art School, later shortened) Favorite Song – Hair of the Dog – just driving base – often confused with Dancing (It’s better than Dancing) 1. "Hair of the Dog" 2:43 2. "The Passion of Lovers" 3:53 3. "Of Lillies and Remains" 3:18 4. "Dancing" 2:29 5. "Hollow Hills" 4:47 6. "Kick in the Eye" 3:39 7. "In Fear of Fear" 2:58 8. "Muscle in Plastic" 2:51 9. "The Man with the X-Ray Eyes" 3:05 10. "Mask" 4:36
I've been enjoying music that sounds like this a lot lately, so this was a well-timed album. Very good! Will likely come back to it.
This album feels more evolved and expansive than their debut, which was more rooted in cold, minimal goth. This one leans more into a traditional post punk sound while still keeping that dark Bauhaus edge. For anyone who’s new to post punk and goth, this would be a great next step if you’re coming from bands like Joy Division. It feels like a natural progression into darker and more theatrical territory.
Great album
Really great example of dark wave. Does get a little repetitive but overall a big step up from their debut and a must listen for anyone who likes darker post-punk
Listened while playing Ball x Pit and cooking dinner. I don't want to call this Joy Division at home, because I did enjoy this album on its own merits, but it sounds a lot like Joy Division. Loved the darkly melodic bass lines and driving drums, as well as the moody vocal delivery. Call me a fan of gothic rock!
I really enjoy this! It’s a little different from most other stuff I’ve heard, and I find it really interesting. Definitely a weird album to start my day with, but not bad weird! I’d probably listen to a lot of these songs again of my own volition. Solid 4 from me. Favorite: Of Lilies and Remains
I’ll always be curious about a super niche band with a cult following where a large number of the cult-members go on to form their own bands, citing the OG as an influence. While goth metal has never formed a cornerstone of my listening, I’ve dabbled. Yes, I have dabbled. Unfortunately my demeanour was always too clownish to enable my full acceptance, as the best photobomb I ever executed proves.
This was so sick I really enjoyed this, was there anymore freaky no wave gothic rock coming out of the UK?
Really good
3.8/5 This album is so weird lol i love it
gothic toen dat nog geen scheldwoord was... "burning from the inside" is beter, maar ook deze is zeer goed
I don't know how... But I'm certain my dad shagged to this album, that weirdo. This is great and fun and so 80s. Hollow hills is exceptionally 90s for 1980. Could've been a cover on nevermind, as is, and would fit right in.
Det hørtes ut omtrent som venta, bare kanskje litt mindre outrert enn æ hadde frykta, uten at det helt traff mæ, men det e ikke egentlig en overraskelse. Helt ok bakgrunnsmusikk, ikke nokka æ kommer til å fordype mæ i.
This was cool. Obviously very OTT and campy, but in a fun way.
spooky
Dark; moody and gothic vibes
Excellent
Another one to add to the “From Boss to Goth” playlist.
Welcome to Goth Talk - I'm your host, Cersei Nightshade. 4/5
Gothic with some clear Bowie influence, enjoyed it overall
Great mood to gothic dance to, i.e. shuffle like a zombie in a dark closet. Favorite track: The Passion of Lovers
Now this is the good shit. Varied, weird, enjoyed every track. Can hear the influence on several artists I enjoy now. Weird cover though!
The bass is my favorite thing about these songs. Songwriting is pretty wild, chaotic, creative. I feel like it's a pretty solid album up until Ear Wax which is just some bullshit trippy stuff that people did back then. Harry is an interesting "diddy"? David Jay Peter Murphy.. whatever is more bullshit. Satori is a great beat but doesn't really go anywhere. A drum circle with ambient noise. My point is that they could have ended the album with In Fear of Dub and it would have been better in my opinion.
I love this. Goth is definitely the very interesting dark side of synth pop. I’ve slept on 1981 being a great year in music, and this project has pried my eyes wide open. Between Soft Cell, The Cure, Heaven 17, and now Bauhaus, my perception of what pop music was at that time has been shattered. The radio hits at that time are Campbell’s Soup slop compared to these homemade, high quality delicious meals.
Quite liked it. Got a lot of weirder edges that were very fun. Think I could get really into this with a few more listens but to start 4 stars.
гулял под него. неплохо
This was a cool album, I enjoyed the vibes
Weird but I was into it. Apple Music describes the band as “death-rock,” whatever that means. Lots of interesting elements, despite the moments of ska. Good bass playing throughout.
I can't say this exactly floored me with its greatness, but I still enjoyed it more than most other albums on this list. While I do have Peter Murphy's "Cuts You Up" in my library, I hadn't heard of Bauhaus before; so, I'll definitely be adding them to the (sadly small) list of interesting new groups uncovered by this challenge -and that's worth a bonus star.
Hat mich direkt gecatcht und fands ziemlich unterhaltsam. Wurde auf die ganze Länge etwas uninteressanter, aber hat mir definitiv gefallen.
Schwierig. Ich liebe Goth-Rock und insofern gibt's schon mal nen Bonusstern für die Vorreiterrolle und Grundsteinlegung. Insgesamt war es mir aber, zumindest beim ersten Durchlauf, nicht besonders zugänglich, das liegt auch daran, dass hier meiner Meinung dann doch ein wenig zu viel experimentiert wurde. Beispielsweise bin ich nicht besonders überzeugt von den Funk-Elementen an einigen Stellen.
Sehr tolle Atmosphäre
One thing I never understand about Bauhaus (and some other releases that came from around the same time period): Why do they keep on adding 20 something minutes of additional stuff to the original album? This album is originally around 30 minutes, but the version on CD and streaming services is like an hour long. Anyway, I listen to the ten songs on the initial release of the album and they're quite good, not sure if I would listen to the rest though.
No. 17 Creepily good. The album cover is really awesome
I kind of vibe with this stuff
8/10
3.5
Really enjoyed it
A note before I begin: for me In The Flat Field was a magnificent album and after listening to Mask, Bauhaus’ second LP after having heard In The Flat Field, Mask will never hold up as equal because the first album colors your opinion of what comes after. Mask was more experimental in its expansive use of keyboards but also attempting to be more popular. Do I think they achieved that successful balance? The answer is clearly yes. Whereas In The Flat Field has darker classics, namely Bela Lugosi’s Dead and the definitive cover of T.Rex’s Telegram Sam, Mask lightens the darkness just enough to accommodate dancing. Kick in the Eye, Dancing and Passion of Lovers add some goth dance moves to the previously colder palate and the atmosphere on this record evokes the mix of The Cure, Joy Division and Siouxsie & The Banshees and lead to a scene in London of bands that would come out of The Bat Cave Club in London in early 1982 including Specimen, Sex Gang Children and Alien Sex Fiend. There are some interesting tracks on this record in particular Of Lilies and Renains with its almost spoken world vocals and the motorik drums of Kevin Haskins. Sonically this was Bauhaus at their best with David J (Kevin’s brother) playing bass, forming a perfect rhythm section to complement Peter Murphy’s vocals and Daniel Ash’s inventive guitar. Interesting to me at the time was the interplay between Peter Murphy and David J as vocalists- they had a weird harmony that created tension and made already dark lyrics seem darker. The screams added to the tension. The album does have some hits. For me the standout tracks are Kick In The Eye, Mask and The Passion of Lovers. Mask is a solid album but Bauhaus had better songs e.g. Terror Couple Killed Colonel, Dark Entries, Third Uncle and Telegram Sam. Mask is a fully realized record and certainly worthy of inclusion on this list as it showcases the possibilities when a band attempts successfully to broaden their sound while still remaining credible and interesting. This record still sounds fresh today. Time is always a goth’s friend.
It may have been recorded out of a tin can, but this is great. So layered and moody, I was expecting a little more poppiness out of a band named after an art movement but I'm not displeased with what I got!
Fantastic! Goth, industrial new-wavy-kind of sounds? Yes!
So, here we got the start of Emo with a twist of David Bowie, cant stand the singer, but the music is great. 4/5
So many ways I want to describe this... it just has this dark mood, peeling back a curtain in a long abandoned theater. Even though we all know there's no such things as Ghosts, there's definitely... something... in the shadows. Exploring the vastness of its silence only reminds us of what used to be here, mysteries of the past unwilling to reveal themselves and would prefer we weren't poking around in the first place. Bauhaus makes some really interesting rock music. Insect-like, or a cluster of bats slightly sickened by modern human existence. Possibly the remnants of a psychological experiment gone wrong. Exquisite.
When I was 16, 17, 18 - Bauhaus might have been my favourite band. Pete Murphy was beautiful and the songs spoke to my teenage goth self. I love the nostalgia of this - I still loved them and went to their reunion in the late 90s. Not quite a 5 but still good.
Very awesome
What a strange little album this is. Unconventional, in an oddly satisfying and original way, with just enough discord to make it interesting.
Mildly familiar with this band so far. Going in, I'm expecting this one to be another that I will enjoy while the majority will hate it. I'm not sure what their live performances were like, but I get a sense Bauhaus was reaching for ambitious art intending to shock and confound. Though a bit scattered and seemingly messy, Mask, and Bauhaus are pretty cool and not always easy to connect with.
Sorry, any album that doesn’t contain Bella Lugosi’s Dead can’t be a five. Also, Memorex…
This album is surprising. I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would. I was expecting faux-Gothic horror rock, and there is elements of that, but this really is so much more. Taking influences from Punk, Glam, Bowie, the Clash, Ska, Raggae makes something thats not quite post-punk and not quite new wave. I hear how this influenced others, notably INXS and other late 80s bands. Production is cool. Lo-fi in some songs, but then really artful in others. Cool album to start with. 8/10 Top Songs The Passion of Lovers Of Lillies and Remains Kick in the Eye Muscle in Plastic The Man with XRay eyes
I enjoyed this much more that I thought i would. Cure/madness at times, even mighty boosh for the eccentricity. Good band, making good music Will be back for more of Bauhaus. 4/5
Bunch of spooky bitches. I like it. Great album to kick off Haloween season.
Having stamped their place in the goth roch/post-punk annals of the early 80s, Bauhaus decided to put on a mask in order to transverse forward without tweaking anything that got them under the spotlight. Improving upon what they left off, Mask presents a new way forward for Bauhaus, even if it would eventually fall apart. Favorites: Hair of the Dog, The Passion of Lovers, Of Lillies and Remains, Hollow Hills, Kick in the Eye, In Fear of Fear, The Man With the X-Ray Eyes.
Went in with low expectations. Ended up enjoying the new wave
My first thought while listening to this album for the first time was "this reminds a lot to The Cure". They both are very moody and similar in terms of song structures, but I don't think this band reaches the level of emotion of sadness that The Cure achieve in their music. Either way, this is a very interesting and particular listening. It is very quite so be sure that the volume is set up high enough or you will lose a lot of value. It too has a lot of nice noisy touches, some very eerie moments in the songs 'Hollow Hills' and 'Mask', and most importantly, some incredibly catchy bass lines throughout the whole project. The combination of all these elements made this record a worth listening and coming back to project.
нормалек, раньше часто их слушал)
I’m a Bauhaus fan!
Nije najbolji bauhaus ali je i dalje bauhaus
Начало довольно бодрое, не очень даже похоже на готику, потом встречаются и готические мелодии, и в некоторых других стилях. В целом, альбом показался достаточно разноплановым, не нудным. 6,5 из 10.
Definitely solid, but not outstanding. Four stars.
This album is amazing on nitrous oxide. Seriously. I've always been a fan of this band. They fit in a very narrow niche as an entity that popularized and defined an entire genre. These guys and Siouxsie really put goth on the map and defined that sound for all time. I think this band is just as important as Black Sabbath or Judas Priest, for example. The live album "Press the Eject and Give Me The Tape" is all time fantastic.
Frábær plata. Drungalegt, fyndið, töff og allskonar. Þetta fílum við.
Mjög töff pregoth/postpunk. Kuldi kjarnorkuáttunnar allsráðandi. Minnir auðvitað talsvert á Joy Division.
Dark gothic industrial songs that are strangely compelling. Vocalist either reminds me of what continental Europeans often sound like.
Bass line in Kick in the Eye is cool 😎. It was a very interesting and unusual album and not over the top. 4
I already knew this, but Mask reaffirms. The 80’s are my era.
Another surprise. Based on the description I didn’t guess I would like this, bit I really did. Weird, kind of, and not all of the song, but some I did enjoy. I can see myself listening to this album again.
The original goth band. One of the first darker sounded albums I ever listened to as a kid which led to me seeing them live in a bar when I was probably way to young to be seeing them in a bar. A nice kick of nostalgia. 8/10
Liked this album. Hubba Bubba.
Decent 80’s album. I hear some Joy Division through it all. Instrumentals are good and all over the place. 4/5
Actually better than expected. Not a fan of ethereal post bullshit but this goth rock has some teeth. The last 2 tracks are exactly what I dont like but the rest of the record is pretty dang good. I've always heard of bahaus but never made the attempt to listen. Im glad this site made me give it whirl. One song is almost a 3rd wave ska song. Strange but im into it. I was surprised in general here. Way better than I would have expected
An album with a great sound and a hint of Bowie-like atmosphere, where Bauhaus blends post-punk and gothic rock with an experimental approach. It features both dark, danceable grooves and theatrical, atmospheric passages that showcase the band’s versatility. The dramatic vocals and angular guitars create a unique mood that still feels fresh today. 4/5
The only Bauhaus song I’m familiar with is “Bela Lugosi Is Dead,” so this will be my first album of theirs to listen to. I like “Bela Lugosi Is Dead,” and I have it on a Halloween playlist that I listen to every October, so I have a pretty decent idea of what to expect from this album. It may only be August, but I’m always down for some goth rock! I didn’t fall in love with Mask, but I thought it was really good. I loved how Bauhaus used guitar effects to craft a really unique sound. In a crowded field of other post punk artists, Bauhaus did an excellent job of setting themselves apart from their contemporaries. In addition to the guitars, I really enjoyed the keyboards and drumming as well. I wasn’t particularly fond of the vocals or songwriting, but the unique and haunting arrangements made up for it. “The Passion of Lovers” and “Mask” were my favorite songs on the album. I thought both of these songs had some really great melodies. The closing of “Mask” is particularly excellent, and it was an excellent choice as the closing track on this album. Even though there weren’t many songs that stood out to me, I thought Mask worked incredibly well as a whole album. The sound is incredibly cohesive, due to the dense atmosphere that Bauhaus creates, but each song brings something different to the table. I will definitely revisit Mask, especially with October only six short (hopefully) weeks away.
Cool schmix de Talking Heads et Joy Division, j'aime bien la voix du chanteur.
Il y plane une fureur ou une menace sourde, c’est éclectique, en même temps que d’être très vivant. Il y a une fierté dans l’interprétation
The Good: The house is built! The Bad: We’re not certain what’s behind the mask… The Ugly: Hair of the dog… never a good thing. I’ve known Bauhaus, as a band, since the mid-80s, yet this is the first time that I consciously listened to one of their albums. Why? Well, let’s just say that during the ‘80s I did not listen to “New Wave” (as we lumped all the “alternative” music), instead I was a pop boy. However, during the ‘90s I started listening to Depeche Mode, the Cure, Tears for Fears, etc… and via this list acts like The Associates. It is the latter that is my favorite discovery so far on the 1001 list, so when I started finding certain acoustic similarities on this album, I was getting a little excited. At this moment my excitement is lowered, yet, I’ve not had the perfect opportunity to really sit back and listen to this album. Therefor, it is possible that I might just end up being a bigger fan than I currently am of Mask. I’d say this album is a solid 3* for the moment, and I will give it 1 additional * for the album cover, as I really like it… also, at 4* I know that I will be able to find this album again to have a better listen down the road...
As someone who only really knew Bela Lugosi, this album was...surprisingly funky? Lots of off kilter post punk rhythms and some dub sections. A very enjoyable listen, although the vibe probably stuck with me more than any of the songs did. A low to middling 4.
I loved the use of all sorts of different resources to make music (loops and different instruments). At first, the album felt more psychedelic rock to me, but then it morphed into something that could totally be on the radio. The beat on “The Passion of Lovers” really got me, and the opening riff of “Muscle in Plastic” made me jot it down twice in my notes. It’s one of those records that makes you think how much fun they must have had recording it. I even noted that after the title track everything sounded like an ending, like extra bits tacked on afterward, and when I looked it up I realized they were actually bonus tracks, which was pretty cool.
Never heard this one before, and honestly? Loved it. It’s twitchy, atmospheric, and full of that irresistible gothic drama — all smoke, shadow, and slow panic. The production is murky as hell (like the band set up a studio in a crawlspace), but it works. It’s cold and stylish and just weird enough to stay interesting. A gloomy little gem that connects the dots between Ian Curtis and every black-clad post-punk band that followed.
spotify doesn’t list the bonus tracks as usual so the album ends on “mask” and is about 35 mins long. it was a cool album! i enjoyed it. had to listen twice to let it set in properly. 4/5
The OG goths! Surprising mix of influences here, funk, disco, punk and surprisingly upbeat and fun at times for the kings of the goth style. The Passion Of Lovers is probably the highlight, but this is a solid album full stop, will find itself in my rotation.
good goth music. funky bass lines
The second half of Mask (the track_ is so beautiful. Some moments of this album are so inspired, creative and elegant. Some are a bit of a trudge through experimentalism. But I don't mind that trudge. Fave Tracks: Mask, 1. David Jay 2. Peter Murphy 3. Kevin Haskins 4. Daniel Ash. 3.8/5
Wow I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I like the 80s voice with the gothic melodies and the punky rhythms. There were some major standouts and I think I would actually listen to it again! I think this is the most surprised I've been so far. I guess I'm into 1980s goth rock y'all. Who would've thought. I want to be in a dark club dancing to this. Crazy!
Alternative rock sounded like this for the next 5 years. Favorite song: the passion of lovers
Some of that was pretty cool. Maybe I have an inner goth waiting to get out.
Dark and moody but having a good time, surprisingly funky at times, snarling and aggressive at others - a land of contrasts pairing miserable despairing vocals and angry disco drum machines. Favorites: kick in the eye, x-ray eyes, passion
I did like Love and Rockets after this
Great early/proto goth album. Driving, dark, sometimes tinny, but very interesting
I swear I had this same thought when listening to a different Bauhaus album in the past, but I expected this to be much more moody than it actually is. The track Harry sounded downright jaunty! To me, this is post punk at some of the best quality. It’s usually not a genre that I’m too keen on, but this seemed to hit all of the right spots for me. I guess they were also considered goth rock because of their dress sense? Either way, this is a pretty good album.
I’m loving goth rock right now so I enjoyed this immensely.
Music by weirdos for weirdos
Great!
It's a little odd but essential. I was inspired to play In The Flat Field and Bela Luosi's Dead immediately afterwards. Unfortunately for Mask, I preferred both those.
Solid new wave album, I enjoyed it
I love Bauhaus and Peter Murphy. This album is a tough one for me to rate, because it has absolutely amazing songs like Passion of Lovers, Hollow Hills, Kick in the Eye, Mask. However, it has other songs that are also great but just are a much different style that, to me, break up the album and make it less cohesive and less impacting than if the album was more consistent. There is a part of me that wants to give it 5 stars, because I really do think all of the songs are great - even if they maybe feel like they should be on two different albums - but I just feel it lacks the impact that Bauhaus can have and ends up being an album that I really don't feel the need to go back to in full.
Favorite Track: The Passion of Lovers
Interesting mix of moody and upbeat songs. I loved the shift around the middle of the title track. Very cool rhythm on Muscle in Plastic.
the cures long lost cousin that fishcakes song kinda goes hard btw
Fun album
I'm not too familiar with early 80s goth rock but it was a fun listen. It is pretty haunting, alienated music, the drums were tight and precise, the singing quite nervy and sad, and the production reminded me a lot of of Joy Divison (though the music was nowhere near as depressing as them). I like compact and short albums which has consistently good songs on it and this album was like that.
Jag lyssnar väldigt mycket på postpunk. Bauhaus har jag inte med mig från ungdomen, men Mask har jag på vinyl sedan några år. Jag imponeras verkligen av deras musikalitet, intensitet och hur mörkret hela tiden utmanas med svart humor och lekfullhet. Allt det som goth sällan är, då det är en genre som kännetecknas av teatraliskt gravallvar och framförallt väldigt tungfotat sväng. Samtidigt har jag fortfarande inte riktigt fastnat för Bauhaus till 100%, kanske för att jag är 50år.
Spooky scary!!!!!
Brand new band to me, loved it - goth new order
Low 4
Weird yet beautiful. Cavernous and drenched in reverb yet still articulate. Upbeat and depressingly grim at the same time. Took a couple plays through to really sink in, but once it did, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Not a perfect 5/5, but certainly a solid 4/5 for me
Interesting sound. I really like the dark sounding guitars and bass, along with unusual stylings throughout (Of Lillies and Remains has very 80s King Crimson-esque guitar sounds - the high-pitched warbling sounds hovering behind much of the track). I also like the unusual vocals. A little out there, but that alone isn't a negative for me. Probably the biggest issue is that the second side gets a little repetitive - driving tracks with cool bass lines, but not quite as unique as the first side. Of course, the final track, Mask, breaks that mold. It sounds like something I should add to my Halloween playlist. Cool ending. Finally, they seem to have influenced a ton of subsequent acts, which puts this as one of those "you have to hear it to understand the development of indie/alternative music." Favorite tracks: Hair of the Dog, The Passion of Lovers, Dancing, Kick in the Eye (I hear Bowie and Fripp stylings in this one).
A bit gloomy. Kinda sounds Bowie-ish sometimes
Dark Wave experimental album. With the characteristic voice of Peter Murphy.
Yeah, good shit; I want to play it some more as I feel like it's one that will get better with time as well. 4/5
cool album. i really liked the dark vibes this one gave. sometimes it got a little growly and aggressive, and sometimes it was sort of softer and dour. i could definitely see myself getting more into this on subsequent listens.
78/100. Mask by Bauhaus is a good dance-punk/post-punk record with nice grooves and solid writing. The album blends dark, atmospheric tones with energetic rhythms, creating a unique and engaging listen.
Bauhaus expands on their original vision and goes even darker and weirder. Their willingness to experiment is apparent, and Mask plays like walking through a house of horrors, each new room unveiling something lurid and ominous. There are no real lows to this album, just a silly song near the end ("FISHCAKES"), but even this song is sung with enough conviction to make it seem ominous and strange.
An exercise in beautiful simplicity whilst striking the right tone, this album explores space and repetition to paint the right picture. And what a picture it is. Rarely does moving through an expression of gloom and frustration feel this good.
I've a lot of time for goths. Once I saw a group of them playing swingball in the sunshine of a local park and it really brightened up my day. Anyway, I enjoyed this album quite a bit. I'll definitely give it a few more listens.
Overall, this record is pretty fuckin rad. Peter Murphy is terribly underrated. The music is interesting and unexpected. The arrangements are more sophisticated than they might seem. This whole record is way, way better than expected. Thought it would be a drag. But it’s a bop.
Gothic Rock Ein wenig ausgefallen, gefällt mir aber!
Liked it lots of David Bowie influence
Of Lilies and Remains is an obvious standout to me. Catchy bass-line carries this one forward with some nice theremin-ish warbles and crass guitar sound. Dancing keeps things marching forward nicely, before we sink into darker realms on Hollow Hills. Honestly I'm loving the midsection of this album. The run from Of Lilies and Remains through In Fear of Fear has been great. I really enjoyed this album. Solid production through and through and I will never not enjoy some thick post-punk bass in my face. As I said above the midsection is really solid. Never felt like a chore. And for once, the bonus material was actually worthwhile. Wasn't expecting the dubby influences here, but they were really nice (although the David Jay > Peter Murphy bit was a little kooky at times). Satori is a solid instrumental jam outro. Solid 4 / 5.
For some reason or another I recently put on “Bella Lugosi’s Dead” and thought “man I don’t actually like this as much as I remembered. Have I lost my youthful cool? Is it all over for me?” Luckily I found this album to be a lot of fun. It has the sorta dark and spooky vibe that I associate with Bauhaus but also unexpectedly has some really funky bass lines. There were a couple of duds in there but this album feels like a house party when house parties were still fun.
4/5
Great gothic rock. The original goth, Edgar Allan Poe, would be proud.
I am such a fan of tones on tail and love and rockets, it's crazy I never bothered to listen to Bauhaus much. I'll be going back to this one.
Pretty cool goth rock album. I enjoyed it!
Enjoyed this one, I'm a fan of the style and sound and will revisit again.
Really cool and dark. I need to give this one a re-listen for sure. Could maybe move up to a 5
Cool gothic album some classics songs.
goth. awesome
This album punks. I actually love this, it's so fresh for me because I've never in my life heard of this band before. Music from 1981 sonds new and different.
Is this really goth? More like EDM rock. Somehow enjoyed it. Maybe because Peter Murphy is my homeboy(Ankara:).
Heard another Bauhaus album before but not this one. Kind of weird but really good. Fav tracks: 1. David Jay 2. Peter Murphy 3. Kevin Haskins 4. Daniel Ash, Mask, The Passion of Lovers
Not totally my style but I like freaky kid music.
I don't know what to say except I have a soft spot for this kind of thing - early new wave with hints of punk rock that you can dance to. Joy Division, New Order, Cure, & these guys.
Finally some edge
One of the better Bauhaus albums
I saw these guys live at Cruel World 2022, and it was absolutely incredible. Kick in the Eye is definitely a favorite, and the rest of the album is dark goulish goodness. 4 stars for being godfathers of goth and for a memorable live experience.
Fantastic album. Always worth a re listen.
++: Hair of the Dog, Of Lillies and Remains, Dancing, In Fear of Fear +: The Passion of Lovers, Hollow Hills, Muscle in Plastic, The Man with the X-Ray Eyes, The Mask 7,8/10
Spooky!
Here's a band with uneven records demonstrating that you can have a place in my heart with a few well-crafted songs over the course of a career despite wild fluctuations in quality on their albums.† Favorably we might call that bravery. The high marks, the brilliant moments of Bauhaus are a little further in between on this record, however. Is it my least favorite or second least favorite of their 1980s studio albums? Tough choice. † Though we have to remember to only rate the original release (tracks 1-10) given how much we might side-eye the CD bonus tracks.
I definitely started liking this much more on a second listen. I dont think the second half of the album very good, but The Passion of Lovers, Of Lilies and Remains, and Hillow Hill are very good underground Brit rock. I really enjoy the simple but addictive bass groove in Of Lilies snd Remains. The singing still has some goofy 80s twang to it, but overall, good album.
Very much enjoyed this. One of those bands I always knew I should listen to, but never really did. Feels like a mix of The Clash and The Cure, which is a top notch combo for me. Feels like this will be a grower over time.
I haven't listened to these guys since the 80's but quite enjoyed it.
Tiene mucha onda darketona muy cool, el inicio de muchas cosas que después serían una locura. Buen álbum.
A bit all over the place as a pioneering album should be. Plenty to like here.
Huhhuh mikä pakkaus sävellykset niin bauhaussia ja selvä linjat biiseissä ja koheesiota albumissa, natsaa natsaa
This album is at its best when they embrace the more sincere, dark atmosphere that they do so well. However, there tends to be a bit too much «We are punk and to cool to be sincere»-foolery.
This album didn't quite live up to the high expectations that I had based on their brilliant debut single "Bela Lugosi's Dead", but it grows on you.
### "Mask" by Bauhaus: An In-Depth Review **Album Overview** Released in October 1981, *Mask* is the second studio album by Bauhaus, a band often credited as one of the pioneers of gothic rock. While their debut, *In the Flat Field*, established their raw post-punk aesthetic, *Mask* represents an evolution in sound, production, and thematic complexity. The album blends gothic rock, post-punk, and experimental elements, pushing the boundaries of what could be done within these genres at the time. Let's break down the album in terms of lyrics, music, production, themes, and its influence on the wider music scene. ### Lyrics The lyrics of *Mask* are heavily symbolic, often surreal, and explore themes like existential dread, alienation, and psychological struggle. Peter Murphy's writing is more abstract than literal, which allows multiple interpretations. - **"Hair of the Dog"** explores themes of self-destruction and disillusionment. Lines like “The man who was mortified, you know / They just don't cut it these days” reflect a feeling of societal disconnection and individual angst. - **"Kick in the Eye"** is marked by its ironic playfulness, contrasting its danceable rhythm with lyrics that suggest frustration with superficiality and social facades. Phrases like "Searching for a token that will buy you an illusion" point to themes of consumerism and hollow identities. - **"The Passion of Lovers"** juxtaposes romance with death, as seen in the lines "The passion of lovers is for death," reflecting on love's dark, consuming qualities. It plays on gothic tropes of fatalistic love, but with a twist that makes it feel more personal and sincere. - **"Mask"** delves into identity and the masks people wear to conform. The lyrics “The face I hide takes a new shape” suggest the fluidity of identity and the pressures to conform to societal expectations. Bauhaus's lyrics across the album are characterized by their vivid imagery and metaphors. Murphy often sings in a theatrical style that heightens the dramatic tension of the lyrics. At times, the abstract nature can be seen as a con, potentially alienating listeners who prefer more straightforward storytelling. ### Music Musically, *Mask* is a step forward from *In the Flat Field*, integrating more experimental elements and a broader range of sounds. The band moves beyond the relentless, driving post-punk sound of their debut to explore more diverse textures and moods. - **"Hair of the Dog"** kicks off the album with a thick bassline by David J, overlaid with jagged guitar riffs from Daniel Ash and Peter Murphy’s dramatic vocal delivery. The rhythm section, with Kevin Haskins on drums, provides a tribal beat that gives the song a primal, ritualistic feel. - **"The Passion of Lovers"** balances pop sensibilities with a sinister edge. The song’s jangly guitars and catchy bassline are offset by unsettling lyrics and an eerie melody, creating a juxtaposition that is both alluring and unsettling. - **"Kick in the Eye"** offers a funk-infused rhythm, which was unexpected from a band often associated with a darker sound. The danceable groove contrasts with the haunting vocal delivery, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment. - **"Of Lillies and Remains"** is an example of Bauhaus's avant-garde approach, featuring an almost spoken-word performance over a disjointed rhythm, with elements of noise and sound effects that create a disorienting atmosphere. - **"Hollow Hills"** is a slow, atmospheric track that relies heavily on reverb-laden guitars and an echoing bassline to create a sense of space and mystery, akin to a gothic soundscape. The band's ability to combine different genres—funk, dub, goth, and even ambient—into a cohesive sound is a notable strength. However, this eclecticism can also be a con, as some tracks may feel disjointed or out of place to listeners expecting a more consistent sound. ### Production The production on *Mask*, handled by the band and engineer Hugh Jones, is a significant advancement over their debut. The album benefits from a clearer, more polished sound, which allows the intricate arrangements and experimental touches to stand out. - The use of **reverb and echo effects** enhances the gothic atmosphere, particularly on tracks like "Hollow Hills" and "Mask," where the spaciousness of the sound is almost a character in itself. - **Layering of instruments** is more sophisticated; for example, in "The Man with the X-Ray Eyes," there is a meticulous balance between the clean, bright guitar tones and the murkier, more distorted sounds, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. - The production choices on "Of Lillies and Remains" and "Muscle in Plastic" exhibit a willingness to embrace more avant-garde and industrial textures, using unconventional recording techniques like reversed tapes, abrupt volume shifts, and strange panning effects to disorient and surprise the listener. However, the production does have its drawbacks. Some critics argue that the clearer, more polished sound strips away some of the raw intensity that defined their debut. There are moments where the production feels almost too clean, potentially undermining the visceral impact of certain tracks. ### Themes *Mask* dives deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of identity, alienation, and existential dread. While their debut was more raw and direct, *Mask* is introspective, challenging listeners to confront their own fears and anxieties. - **Identity and Alienation**: The album's title track, "Mask," is a meditation on the different "masks" people wear in their everyday lives. This theme is echoed throughout the album, in songs like "In Fear of Fear," which explores paranoia and self-doubt. - **Existential Angst and Mortality**: "Hollow Hills" delves into themes of death and decay, as does "The Passion of Lovers," but with a more romanticized view of mortality. - **Social Commentary**: "Kick in the Eye" and "Muscle in Plastic" comment on consumerism and the superficial nature of society, questioning the emptiness of material pursuits and societal expectations. While these themes are deep and thought-provoking, the abstract nature of the lyrics and the use of metaphors can sometimes make them less accessible. Some listeners might find the themes overly obscure or pretentious, a potential downside for those seeking more direct emotional engagement. ### Influence and Legacy *Mask* has been a critical album in the development of gothic rock and post-punk. The album’s experimentation with sound, production, and genre fusion has influenced countless bands across different genres. - **Influence on Gothic Rock**: Bauhaus’s blending of theatricality with a dark aesthetic set the template for gothic rock. Bands like The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, and Christian Death drew heavily from Bauhaus's sound and thematic focus. - **Post-Punk Experimentation**: The eclectic musical style of *Mask*—merging post-punk with funk, dub, and even proto-industrial sounds—paved the way for a more experimental approach within the genre. Bands like The Cure and Siouxsie and the Banshees took cues from Bauhaus’s willingness to step outside genre confines. - **Broader Cultural Impact**: Beyond music, Bauhaus's visual style and thematic content helped to define the aesthetics of goth culture. Their art-school backgrounds and commitment to a multi-sensory experience (combining music, fashion, and visual arts) have inspired artists and performers beyond the confines of rock music. ### Pros and Cons of the Album #### Pros: 1. **Innovative Sound**: *Mask* demonstrates Bauhaus's willingness to explore new sonic territories, blending genres in creative ways. 2. **Thematic Depth**: The album's lyrics are rich with symbolism, offering layers of meaning and interpretation. 3. **Diverse Musical Palette**: The integration of funk, dub, and ambient textures adds complexity and diversity to the album, keeping it dynamic and unpredictable. 4. **Improved Production**: The more polished production quality allows the musical details to stand out, making for a more refined listening experience. 5. **Cultural Influence**: As an essential album in the gothic rock canon, it has influenced countless artists across genres, helping to shape the sound and aesthetic of the 1980s and beyond. #### Cons: 1. **Abstract Lyrics**: The highly symbolic and abstract nature of the lyrics may alienate some listeners, making the songs feel distant or overly complex. 2. **Inconsistent Tone**: The eclectic mix of styles can feel jarring or disjointed, disrupting the album’s flow for some listeners. 3. **Polished Production**: While the production is clearer, it sometimes lacks the raw intensity of the band’s earlier work, which some fans and critics might miss. 4. **Niche Appeal**: The album's dark themes and avant-garde approach may limit its appeal to a broader audience, reinforcing its status as a cult favorite rather than a mainstream success. ### Conclusion *Mask* by Bauhaus stands as a landmark in the development of gothic rock and post-punk, an album that refuses to conform to any single genre or style. Its strengths lie in its experimental approach to music and production, its deep thematic content, and its lasting influence on music and culture. However, its abstract lyrics, inconsistent tone, and polished production may not appeal to all listeners, particularly those looking for a more straightforward or cohesive album. Despite these potential downsides, *Mask* remains a bold and innovative work that continues to resonate with fans and artists alike, nearly four decades after its release.
When this album came up, I was prepared for some weird stuff once again. It's surprisingly good.
Was pretty good. thought they were a German techno type bad but I was very mistaken. 8/10
Enjoyed this a lot more than I expected to, having spent a considerable portion of the 1980s making fun of their "hit" song "Bela Lugosi Is Dead" and goth in general. Now that I'm old and crusty, I have developed a soft spot for goth and am looking forward to checking out Bauhaus and giving them an honest listen.
The list continues its parade of English musical acts. At least I wasn’t completely disappointed by this one. Solid, cohesive album, turns out goth rock is pretty fun. A solid 4/5 from me
8/10
7/10
This was probably the hardest album to rate so far. It was weird and hard to get a grip on, but once it clicked (on second listen) I think I might really love this. I had never heard of Bauhaus before, but now I'm intrigued.
It's at its best when it truly leans into its camp and pomp and weirdness. It's definitely made me want to spend more time with Bauhaus, as I thought it would all be serious gloom, but really it's that and fishcake recipes.
Stark and dark post-punk but still makes some attempts to be palatable and catchy which balances it out well. It has just enough sense of humor to lighten it up a bit without feeling too cheesy for the most part.
You can taste the eyeliner.
tried the fishcake recipe, unpleasant texture & taste, avoid
Maximum ass kicking - just stripped down production, cranked reverb, jamz.
Post-punk, gothic rock. Incredible album. Took me a few songs to get into it but loved it. Best songs: Kick in the Eye Hollow Hills Mask Verging on 4.5
I love Bauhaus. I love how their singer sounds like he's desperately trying to squeeze out the last bit of turd. I love how unhinged, dark and goofy this album is. I love that zonked panda dude on the cover. Still would have preferred their debut (that's THE goth record, come on now, how is it not on this list?), but this shit rocks regardless. Strong 4 outta 5!
This album was very impressive to me. Despite being released in the early 80s it has a very modern sound (like a grittier version of Depeche Mode's Violator). The random dog noises that screech at you twice is a good touch. All in all I'm a fan. 4/5
Not as good as their debut, but still sweetly dissonant.
I like this stuff. Should listen to more gothic stuff from this time. Will I listen to again: 90%
Wow, wow, wow, what a pleasant surprise. I've been getting into Atmospheric Indusrial Goth Noise so maybe it makes sense
This album was exceptional. At times it felt like I was attending a prom for vampires. The album oozes with spookiness and really interesting noises for the time it was released! The second half of the album sort of carried but all in all it’s a fantastic project. 8/10
A lot of fun. Maybe derivative or maybe invented the genre. Idk but I jammed with this one.
I am a long time fan of Bauhaus so it is always nice to give them a listen.
All I really remember of Bauhaus was their Ziggy cover. Hard to rate an album on one listen but it sounds great to these old ears. A wonderful dystopian sound with touches of Joy Division but also hearing Bowie and Iggy and some of the desolation of Tubeway Army. Great recording to with drums to the fore the way I like it. Side 2 is stronger than side 1 and I’ll rate it 4/5 but it could easily become a 5 star with repeated listens.
I‘m not very much into goth music or the culture but it‘s interesting for sure to listen to one of the first albums of that genre. It‘s a diverse mixture of music and surprised me a lot after listening to the first 2-3 tracks. Overall I really liked it!
Four snazzy vampires write some art-rock from their crypt ::enter Bauhaus::. It's so bizarre it's brilliant. It's like very strange, dark, dance music that you hear thumping up from the floor below in your rundown Portland apartment. Goth, glam, funk, experimental, it's somehow embodies all of these. I fully intend to blast this one on Halloween.
What a wild album. What drugs were these guys taking? I really like some of the instrumentals and experimentation. Some cool space sounds with the synths. Whacked out lyrics and creepiness make this album standout. In Fear of Fear is top track. Rating this on the original 1981 release with just the 1st 10 tracks...3.6.
A strong 4 flirting with a 5 for me this. Dark, moody post-punk with a slight industrial sound at times. Reminds me of Joy Division and the Berlin era Bowie. Does slightly lose its way at times, but overall this is right up my street. Very good.
Didn't sound like I expected it to after reading the wiki intro! Not what I would expect "gothic rock" to sound like, but maybe the goth thing is more a life choice? Sounded more like joy division. Think it's the bass mostly. Some of it didn't grab me, but thought some tracks were great. Weird enough to be interesting without going over the top Hair of the dog The passion of lovers In fear of fear Muscle in plastic In fear of dub Harry Some really dub and ska sounding tracks towards the end which I thought were probably the best. Doesn't seem fitting somehow Really enjoyed it overall and will be back. Good mix of proto punky sounds with dub and ska to finish. Fishcakes!
Good gothrock/new wave music from the early 80‘s… 8/10 👍
Lowkey a 4.5. I love goth and this shit was so spooky and good. Imma say 4.25 actually
Pretty much the turning point when post-punk became Goth. I assume there’s a lot of Joy Division influence here but doesn’t quite achieve the same heights.
Of course this doesn’t have their most famous song. But I swear the first couple of songs feel like a direct influence on Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Overall, this record is pretty fuckin rad. Peter Murphy is terribly underrated. The music is interesting and unexpected. The arrangements are more sophisticated than they might seem. It’s not just goth. It’s danceable and fun. Like Bowie meets the Banshees. Could do without Hollow Hills. But then Kick in the Eye comes on, being all groovy and fun. I swear, they pulled the rhythm off When the World Is Running Down by The Police. Not mad. This whole record is way, way better than expected. Thought it would be a drag. But it’s a bop.
I liked this and I can't really explain why, there was a ska beat song which had me bopping
Classic
Kooky and strange. I hated it at first, then the weirdness continued and ultimately had a good time with this. It reminded me of a sinister Talking Heads with the rhythmic repetitions of Radiohead. Cool album.
Not their best, but hey. I'm not going to let a goth rock album rot here.
Who could say no to a good ol' goth rock cold plate?
I liked this quite a bit. Before I only knew them for Bela Lagosi's Dead and that was a bit too goofy for my liking (okay it's not bad but it's way too goth for me) it did start to wear out it's welcome some toward the end but overall quite enjoyable. 3.5
It’s not got anything quite as instantly memorable as Bela Lugosi’s Dead, but my god did I enjoy this one. I’ve been having a real Gothic/Romantic thing recently, I’ve been watching Castlevania, I’ve been reading early Russian Romantic prose, and Mask is a really good representation of why this style is called Gothic Rock, because it absolutely exudes the same atmosphere as the crushing emotional and spiritual drama that Gothic literature does. Mask really gets going on Of Lilies And Remains, with it’s fascinating beat and Spoken Word lyrics, and then doesn’t let up for the rest of the album. This is yet another instance where I wish this were a 10 star system, cos this is a solid 4.5
For this review, I'm looking at the original tracklisting of the album, without the CD reissue bonus tracks. Having heard "Bela Lugosi's Dead" and "Dark Entries" before, I know that Bauhaus is considered one of the progenitors of the goth rock subgenre. Their second studio album, Mask, was their attempt at expanding their sound, incorporating keyboards, funky rhythms, and saxophone. There is a wide range of tones throughout, from the somber "Hollow Hills" to the groovy "Kick in the Eye", and the rather ominous title track that closes the album. What pleased me the most was how good Kevin Haskins was behind the kit, with well-accented shuffle beats and the right amount of space for the percussion. Your mileage with this album will depend on how well you tolerate the experimentation, along with Peter Murphy's vocals, as his delivery can get maniacal. If you're into the goth scene, it's a solid recommendation. Update 1/15/2026: I ended up revisiting Mask over 400 albums later, and I think I can better articulate why I consider this album good, if not exceptional. Most of the credit for the quality on display is courtesy of the rhythm section. David J's supple bass lines pushed to the front of the mix, and Kevin Haskins's tight and frenetic percussion, together form the basis for some eerily delectable tunes. To be fair, Daniel Ash also boasts some delightful post-punk guitar riffs drenched in reverb that also work out well, such as on "The Man With X-Ray Eyes" and "Kick in the Eye". From an instrumental standpoint, this album is amazing, bolstered by some well-done production on the band's part. That leaves vocalist Peter Murphy, and I'm admittedly torn with his delivery. On the one hand, his off-kilter delivery did fit the overall mood of this record, as he sang about self-mutilation and related macabre imagery, which felt befitting for these compositions. But on the other hand, his delivery did admittedly become tiring to listen to after a while, only broken up by the spoken-word poetry of "Of Lilies and Remains" towards the beginning of the record. Again, I still consider Mask to be a good record that helped form the identity of goth rock as a subgenre, and I did enjoy revisiting it. If anything, I do appreciate a record like this that helped make the sound more accessible for newcomers, proving that Bauhaus weren't afraid to adapt.
First listen to this, not bad!
I hear Pil, Gang of Four, among others. I would listen to more of this.
You know what? This one is fun. Just got a fun feel to it. "Dancing" is goofy. The vibe is silly and enjoyable pretend-darkness.
Loved this. New wave rock with loads of variety.
Like if Ghost worked at a white table cloth Italian restaurant.
this has been on my ‘to listen’ list for quite some time - glad i finally got around to it! Kick In The Eye was the only song i was familiar with beforehand, but the rest of the album similarly has great bass and fun post-punk energy. definitely need to dig more into their discography.
brilliant
Creepy but also goofy in a way that eases the listener.
This was fantastic. Will revisit. Sounds fresh even today.
Great! Kick In The Eye is my favourite.
I have the stellar first two tracks of this album available on a physical release at home, energetic "Hair Of The Dog" and insanely catchy "The Passion Of Lovers" (that goddamn short screeching guitar hook! Or is it a synth?). Plus the incredibly moody and mesmerizing title-track closing the proceedings. Indeed, all three of them are included in the Bauhaus "Volume 1" compilation, that I can't praise enough for anyone interested in the first years of the legendary British band. Those three cuts are as good as goth-leaning post-punk can get, enough said. But what about the other songs in *Mask*, then? Like *some* of the compositions found in previous Bauhaus albums, those other tracks sometimes can't avoid a few hackneyed clichés typical of this genre, with unfocused ditherings and pointless minimalistic dirges that can leave a bad taste in your mouth--that bad taste is probably left *on purpose*, know, but still... Fortunately, three other songs from the original tracklisting of this LP are well worth your time (I'm not bothering about the CD bonus tracks, here). There's "Kick In The Eye", a weird-yet-lively funk-inspired song that draws from Bowie circa-*Lodger* or *Scary Monsters...*, dark and hopeless "Hollow Hills" and its haunting guitar shrills that can remind you of the most ominous instrumentals by Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and "The Man With The X-Ray Eyes", an infectious earworm that should have found its place in the "Volume 1" / "Volume 2" compilations, but inexplicably did *not*. So that's three stellar songs and three other very good ones over ten tracks. Not so bad after all. Please also check subsequent album *The Sky's Gone Out*, one of Bauhaus' most adventurous LPs, which also explores soundscapes related to krautrock and also--I shit you not!--*dub and reggae*. And this in ways that are often as fascinating as the ones they use for their more expected post-punk output. Going back to *Mask*, I feel like this album should have a 3.5/5 grade for the specific purposes of this list of "essential albums" (here rounded up to 4). Which translates to a 8.5/10 grade for more general purposes (5 + 3.5). Number of albums left to review: 277 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 319 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 177 (including this one) Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 232
Never heard of this group at all and I think if you have told me goth rock, I would have told you “no thanks” but I enjoyed this album and thought that a lot of the things they were doing can be seen in modern end.
Still a dark tone, but funky and jammy. I expected dark German metal based on name and cover art, I was pleasantly surprised, really enjoyed.
Absolute alternative rock perfection.
I sense this was terrible but I still liked it.
Wow, who knew that the post punk era had such a weird experimental side to it, I never knew this existed but I am so glad I discovered it. With a bit more polish and production this could easily have been a 5/5 for me. I always associate the post punk era of the late 70s and early 80s with bands like Joy Division who are notorious for their sad music, and while this album is absolutely not super happy-clappy, it manages to sound so fresh and sad in a way I feel like I've never heard before. I honestly have no idea why this has such a low average rating, other than the rough production (which even that has its charm at times), there really is everything to love about this. And if nothing else I know how to make fish cakes now too.
The more I listen the more I like it
“Hair of the dog” sounds like a devo song. This is trippy weird record. Kick in the eye 2 is a killer bass line. This is a very good album. So far “mask” is my favorite. Really good record.
demented cabaret on MDMA wearing a cock ring