If the fifth, self-titled album by Echo And The Bunnymen had been released by a new act it could conceivably be praised as a promising debut of understated rock dynamics. Unfortunately the album suffers in comparison to the first four which added on layer upon layer of ambition and sound. Thus 1987's effort is a rather muted affair although ironically it was their best performing album in the US. The Stateside masses were prpbably impressed by top quality single 'Lips Like Sugar' and the overall smooth radio-friendly sound; where once Will Sergeant's riffs were urgent and rough-hewn now they jangled pleasantly and unthreateningly. 'Bombers Bay' and 'All My Life' show their relaxed approach paying dividends, both being respectable and mature whereas 'Bedbugs And Ballyhoo' proved that inventiveness hadn't totally bypassed them. In fact the album is never less than decent but no one was surprised when Ian McCulloch left to pursue a solo career. Soon after, drummer Pete De Freitas lost his life in a motorcycle accident so it was some surprise that the remaining members soldiered on. Eventually McCulloch rejoined the fold as Electrafixion and after their one underrated rockier album the Bunnymen have since produced three more respectable albums. However, it would always be advisable to look back at albums for one to four to witness one of the most fascinating tales in the development of a modern rock group.