Bang...Pop...Fizz3 Out of 5 Stars
Shriekback made their big commercial pop move on "Go Bang," and then went on hiatus for several years. It's easy to hear why. They evolved from a band making ragged, edgy dance punk to this final album of frothy, Thompson Twins sounding new wave. Of all the Shriekback albums, "Go Bang" is their lightest, and actually, most fun.
I have often wondered if the band didn't look on this album as some kind of contract filling lark, because it's a short (barely crossing the half hour mark) with goofy songs like "Shark Walk" and the title track. Top that with one of the 80's oddest covers, a straightforward version of KC and The Sunshine Band's "Get Down Tonight," and I am amazed that none of these songs crossed over to the pop charts.
Be that as it may, old fans were alienated for the most part, and nobody else was paying attention. Dave Allen had already departed and his baselines are missed, and possibly his influence. The only track that really mines the haunting Shriekback of old is the final "Dust and Shadow," which stays in the turf "Big Night Music" staked out. Shriekback was always a night-band at heart, but they were never a night party band. "Go Bang" tried to go there, and remains a fascinating failure. And yet, these years later, I still have it and enjoy.
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