As one of the original goth rock bands, Northampton's Bauhaus deserve some respect for their unique ability to marry Ziggy Stardust-style glam rock with glum, portentous surroundings. 'In The Flat Field' was the debut album released in 1980 and here it is improved further with the inclusion of singles and B-sides. The stark, crazed brilliance of opening tracks, 'Double Dare' and 'In The Flat Field' convey feelings of horror in the listener whilst more minimalist efforts such as 'God In An Alcove' and 'Spy In The Cab' are just as creepy as vocalist Pete Murphy screams in terror ably backed by his guitar-wielding cohorts as they attempt their best Mick Ronson impersonation. The extra tracks include the splendidly-titled 'Rosegarden Funeral Of Sores' as well as the haunting murder story in 'Terror Couple Kill Colonel' and one of the bitterest love songs ever recorded, 'Crowds'. Listening to music of this intensity is a bit much to stomach in one sitting but it certainly does give goth rock a good name.