The Waking Hour

Formed as an unlikely collaboration between Bauhaus vocalist Peter Murphy and Japan bassist Mick Karn, this singular release blends highly fretless bass lines with cryptic, theatrical vocals. The complex, rhythm-heavy production is characterized by Karn's unique Middle Eastern-influenced arrangements and a distinct lack of conventional electric guitar. Despite their interpersonal tensions during recording, the album remains a fascinating, idiosyncratic artifact of art-pop cross-pollination.