Ausgang emerged from the Birmingham UK scene in 1983, initially forming under the name Kabuki. As a central fixture of the Batcave and Goth-rock movements, they were contemporaries of acts like Sex Gang Children and The Birthday Party, sharing a penchant for theatrical, high-intensity live performances.
Their sound identity is built on a foundation of 'erratic and complicated' percussion and a distinctive vocal style described as a 'broken guitar string of a voice.' Throughout the mid-80s, they released a series of influential EPs and the LP 'The Hunt,' which solidified their reputation for complex timing and a 'post-apocalyptic' visual aesthetic. In an attempt to distance themselves from the limiting 'Goth' label, they briefly rebranded as Ausgang-A-Go-Go before disbanding. The band's legacy was preserved through Mick Mercer’s documentation of the scene. They reformed in 2004, reclaiming their status as cult icons of the dark alternative world. Critically, they are respected for their refusal to adhere to standard 4/4 rock structures, making them a 'musician's band' within the subculture.
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