The Plateau Phase is the debut studio album by the English post-punk band Crispy Ambulance, released in March 1982 by Factory Benelux.

[2] It received harsh criticism at the time, a typical example being this review by Mat Snow for NME:[4] This is one of the most pretentious, turgid and tedious LPs I've ever heard.

All the trade-marks are there -relentless inverted drumming, ominous bass lines, dramatic flanged guitar, bleak synth washes and a lone desperate voice.

But whereas Joy Division were sincere and inspired in their depiction of obsession, loss and desolation, Crispy Ambulance are portentous, inane and very, very boring.Retrospective criticism was more positive, e.g. Ned Raggett, AllMusic:[3] The Plateau Phase boldly aimed to stand out as an experimental rock album and achieved its goal with style and power.

With tips of the hat to everyone from early-'70s Pink Floyd and aggro Krautrock to the later song-smashings of Throbbing Gristle, The Plateau Phase isn't an out-and-out masterpiece, but comes awfully close.Side one Side two The CD, first issued as Comprising : The Plateau Phase, Live On A Hot August Night, Sexus, includes the Live on a Hot August Night single and the "Sexus" A-Side.