Ask anyone what their favourite gothic rock album might be and the chances are they may nominate a record by Sisters Of Mercy, The Cure, Bauhaus or maybe even Joy Division's 'Closer'. Despite having a relatively inconsistent selection of albums in a long career, Siouxsie And The Banshees can offer 'Juju'; a defining moment in their career and now, twenty five years after its original release, a defining moment of a year and of a genre.

All the elements of what made this band great are firmly in place here. The thunderous rhythms provided by Budgie and Steve Severin, the howling wail of Siouxsie Sioux whirling like a dervish and finally the spindly, intricate guitar work of John McGeoch who is captured here at the pinnacle of a distinguished career. The beginning of the record is thrillingly intense as tracks one to four go by at a blistering pace and they even get away with a lyric of "Trick or treat, trick or treat, the bitter and the sweet" for 'Halloween'. At its centrepiece are the lengthy, cautionary ode to CCTV ('Monitor') and the dirge-like qualities of 'Night Shift' which interrupts the rattling momentum to bring an even more sinister feel to proceedings. All this and there's still the terrifically punky 'Head Cut' and the downright chilling 'Voodoo Dolly' to close the record. Ultimately, 'Juju' is the recommended set text for all bands who desire to sound both evil and exciting.