A Kiss In The Dreamhouse (1982), the fifth Banshees album, is probably their best.  Given a magnificent shimmer by Mike Hedges, it's where the group mesh best.  Guitarist John McGeoch was replaced by Robert Smith for 1984's Hyaena, a showcase for the band's post-punk psychedelia, as was Tinderbox (1986).  Nocturne, recorded in 1983 at the Royal Albert Hall, captures them in the their majestic, ominous pomp.

4/5

Paul Lester