Rocktrospectiva: The Expansive And Acclaimed "Mask" Turns 45

 

Released on 16 October 1981, "Mask" was the second album by the English gothic rock band Bauhaus. The album spawned the singles "Kick In The Eye" & "The Passion Of Lovers." 

 

It was considered by many to be the band's definitive record, as it incorporated a wide range of influences—notably through the use of keyboards and acoustic guitars, as heard on the single "The Passion of Lovers." The album also featured other eclectic elements, such as funky rhythms and even a saxophone—evident on the single "Kick in the Eye"—as well as on the tracks "Dancing" and "In Fear of Fear."  

 

The band had just released "In The Flat Field," but a key difference was that, while the sound on "Mask" was harder, the songs were more pop-oriented—making the album more accessible to a general audience. This signaled a maturation in their sound and brought them relative success, as they managed to break into the Top 40. 

 

The record retained the band's signature dark edge—evident in tracks like "Kick In The Eye," "Hair Of The Dog," and "In Fear Of The Fear," as well as the dark humor found in "Of Lilies and Remains." These songs featured more refined melodic arrangements, while the theatricality that defined their work remains, preserving the gothic atmosphere that complements Peter Murphy’s lyrics—which are steeped in both anguish and humor. The single "Kick In The Eye" reached No. 29 on the US Club Play Singles chart and No. 54 in the UK, while "The Passion of Lovers" peaked at No. 56 in the UK. 

 

Critically, the album earned a reputation as a significant improvement over their debut. It represented their strongest sonic achievement to date, creating a more expansive sound without sacrificing their dark aura. The introduction of radio-friendly melodies made the record more accessible and appealing to a much wider audience. It was a notable step for such an unconventional band. They had one more year left—marked by the release of "The Sky's Gone Out"—before Bauhaus came to an end in 1983. However, the members would go on to prove they had much more to offer: Peter Murphy pursued a successful solo career, while Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins formed the band "Love and Rockets"—a project that would achieve even greater mainstream reach, notably with their 1989 hit "So Alive."

 

Mask Track List: 

 

1. Hair Of The Dog

2. The Passion Of Lovers

3. Of Lillies And Remains 

4. Dancing

5. Kick In The Eye

6. In Fear Of Fear

7. Muscle In Plastic

8. The Man With X-Ray Eyes

9. Mask