Siouxsie and the Banshees: The Authorised Biography by Mark Paytress

Siouxsie and the Banshees may not have been the most groundbreaking band of the late 1970s and early 80s - their name has gone unmentioned during the recent revival of interest in post-punk rock - but they turn out to be surprisingly good subjects for a biography.

The central figures in the band are remarkably candid - Siouxsie herself never misses the opportunity to make a catty remark, while Steve Severin seems to relish his caricatured uber-goth role as a kind of bass-playing Nosferatu.

The supporting cast of shady drug-addicted managers and genuinely demented followers (few bands in history can claim such a bizarre fanbase) drive the story along from a unrehearsed debut appearance performing a cover version of the Lord's Prayer at the legendary 100 Club punk festival to an acrimonious, drink-sodden split.

An unexpected delight.

· Sanctuary, £9.99