"Tinderbox" is the seventh studio album by British rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees. It was released on April 21, 1986, through Wonderland and Polydor Records in the United Kingdom and through Geffen Records in the United States.
The album marked a significant musical departure from the band's previous work, featuring a more guitar-based sound and dark keyboards. Notably, the album features the singles "Cities in Dust" and "Candyman," both of which became hits in the UK Singles Chart.
"Tinderbox" received critical acclaim upon its release. The album's title was derived from a term used for a type of matchbox, illustrating its explosive content and the band's undeniable energy.
The production line-up includes Siouxsie Sioux and Steven Severin, joined by Budgie on drums and percussion. Guitarist John Valentine Carruthers, who had played with the band since 1984, also contributed significantly to the album's sound.
Its cover artwork was designed by the band and depicts a rural landscape with multiple colored layers, which was, in fact, a series of time-lapse photos of a solar eclipse featured over a shot of a Norfolk broad.
Today, "Tinderbox" is widely regarded as one of Siouxsie and The Banshees' most adventurous and musically accomplished albums. The record's bold production and the band's willingness to experiment with different styles and textures helped to redefine the post-punk genre and ensured their relevance and longevity in the music industry.
