Echo & the Bunnymen: Porcupine (Sire 23770); U2: War (Island 90067)

THERE AREN'T too many English bands that can buck the current vogue for synthesizers and funk/dance rhythms, remain musically adventurous and still be commercially viable — not to mention reasonably "hip." On their third albums, Echo & the Bunnymen and U2 both refine their characteristically atmospheric sounds with little regard for toeing a fashionable rock line. Even without any electronic keyboards, each has an easily identified, highly modern style — something few trendy synth bands can claim.