Out of all the English groups of the 1980s, very few are as fascinating to me as Siouxsie and the Banshees. Originally associated with London’s punk scene in the late-1970s, the band, led by frontwoman Siouxsie Sioux, became one of the leading post-punk bands of the era. They would release Juju, a gothic masterpiece, in 1981. Juju has to be their best album and a personal favorite of mine.

Juju, like The Scream and Kaleidoscope, is a product of the English post-punk movement with its tracks featuring a prominent bass line. Unlike The Scream, the guitar in Juju isn’t nearly as abrasive (though it has its moments that’d put a smile on John McKay’s face) and unlike Kaleidoscope, synthesizers take the backseat in this album. My favorite song from the album has to be “Spellbound”.

“Spellbound” is a post-punk marvel. Featuring John McGeoch on guitar, this track is truly exhilarating. McGeoch’s electric and acoustic guitar playing really makes this track unique. The acoustic guitar in particular sounds extremely fresh, even after the 10,000th listen.

Juju definitely is one of the best gothic albums out there and a peak of the post-punk movement. Its influences on the band’s contemporaries cannot be understated. I’d rate it a 9/10. It’s great. Give it a go.