What makes Mittageisen by Siouxsie and the Banshees notable?

Mittageisen stands out for its bold experimentation with lyrics and sound, receiving significant airplay on UK radio. It showcased the band's unique aesthetic, influencing both contemporary and later artists within the gothic rock and post-punk movements. Released in 1979, Mittageisen was the Banshees' third single, following their debut album The Scream earlier that year. This period marked their rapid rise in the post-punk scene, as they increasingly pushed boundaries with their sound and style, solidifying their role as innovators within the genre.

How many songs are on Mittageisen?

Mittageisen has 2 tracks, running approximately 6 minutes.

Mittageisen

Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1979

6 min · 2 tracks · alternative rock

A haunting blend of post-punk energy and gothic elegance, defined by stark instrumentation and Siouxsie's iconic vocal delivery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Mittageisen — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of existential despair through its eerie melodies and Siouxsie's haunting vocal style.
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Love in a Void — This track features driving rhythms paired with lyrical introspection, illustrating the band's ability to merge catchy hooks with darker themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong writing and production, balancing urgency and melody within its brief runtime.

What we noticed

The title track features a driving rhythm with stark guitar lines that create a sense of urgency, while Siouxsie's vocals oscillate between haunting and commanding.
The second track, 'Love in a Void', employs a more melodic approach, contrasting the aggressive instrumentation of the first track with its layered harmonies.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single marked the band's rise in the post-punk scene, showcasing their unique sound.
Themes: post-punk experimentation· gothic romanticism· atmospheric unease
Career context: Released in 1979, Mittageisen was the Banshees' third single, following their debut album The Scream earlier that year. This period marked their rapid rise in the post-punk scene, as they increasingly pushed boundaries with their sound and style, solidifying their role as innovators within the genre.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division