Hungry for the success which this charismatic band craved, 1983's 'Porcupine' witnessed Echo And The Bunnymen successfully widening their appeal whilst maintaining an inventive streak. Beginning with two strident, confident singles ('The Cutter' and 'Back Of Love') their stall was set out early on. The dark psychedelia of 'My White Devil' and the doleful joys of 'Clay' are then followed by the ambitious title track centrepiece; here Ian McCulloch's vocals run the full gamut of emotions as tears, menace and anger cast their shadow over a background of haunting violins and Will Sergeant's demonic guitar chords. The somehat less memorable second half to the album is slightly disappointing (in an ironic twist of titles 'My Higher Hell' might have been too dirgey even for 'Heaven Up Here') but maintains the wintry atmosphere portrayed on the sleeve art. Their dignity intact, this is a confident statement of intent backed up by some accessible yet dark melodies.