Tones on Tail Members, Gear & Sound

Tones on Tail is an English band that emerged from the post-punk landscape of the early 1980s. Formed in 1982, the group was originally a side project of Bauhaus guitarist Daniel Ash and included bassist Glen Campling, who also served as a roadie for Bauhaus. With the dissolution of Bauhaus in 1983, Ash focused on Tones on Tail, bringing in Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins to complete the lineup. The trio explored a diverse range of genres including New Wave, Synthpop, Post-punk, and Gothic rock, creating a unique sound that was both experimental and atmospheric.

Tones on Tail's sonic identity is characterized by a dark, atmospheric texture that combines haunting melodies with rhythmic, danceable beats. Daniel Ash's guitar work often features ethereal reverb and delay, utilizing gear such as the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb and WEM Watkins Copicat to craft expansive soundscapes. The use of the Heet Sound EBow adds an otherworldly sustain to his playing, enhancing the band's dark wave aesthetic. Kevin Haskins' drumming, augmented by electronic elements like the Star Instruments Synare 3, provides a driving, industrial edge that complements the band's rich, gothic undertones. Together, these elements create a sound that is both melancholic and mesmerizing, a hallmark of Tones on Tail's musical exploration.