Mantaray is an album in which former Banshees siren, Creatures crooner, and Bromley Contingent alumnus Siouxsie Sioux finds herself via newfound creative independence. Long-time fans beware, because that does sound promising.
Yet Mantaray, Siouxsie’s first record in decades without longtime partner in crime Budgie, rarely delivers on said promise. Legions of devotees will rank this among the most polarizing records by the post-punk goddess, either praising the bold new direction and outlook or cringing at the relative optimism and coruscating musical direction.
So much has been made of Siouxsie’s divorce from Banshees drummer and Creatures collaborator Budgie that it’s difficult not to hear Mantaray as an immediate reaction. As personal catharsis and creative rebirth goes, the album is some kind of accomplishment. Siouxsie’s vision for a solo persona never falters.
Her statement of intent on opener “Into A Swan” sets the tone for the rest of the album, as Siouxsie sings of her own transformation over music that has enough forward momentum to drive the point home. But it would be easier to commend her finding herself if she had something interesting to say about it.
“Into A Swan” lays out little more than platitudes such as “I can’t hold it back; I’ve just got to soar.” She succeeds in consistency of vision, but falters in execution. The album’s neo-noise-glam backing can’t be faulted (especially on “One Mile Below” and “Sea of Tranquility”), despite breaking from all Siouxsie’s own traditions. Of course, that very break is the whole point of Mantaray.
– Mike McGovern
Siouxsie: www.siouxsiemantaray.com
W14 Music: www.w14music.com