What makes Mix-Up by Cabaret Voltaire notable?

The album is significant for its innovative approach to electronic music and its influence on subsequent genres like acid house and techno. While it received mixed reviews at the time, it has since been recognized as a pioneering work that foreshadowed the experimental sounds that would dominate the 1980s. Released on October 23, 1979, 'Mix-Up' was Cabaret Voltaire's first full-length album following their initial singles and EPs. At this stage, they were firmly establishing their identity within the burgeoning post-punk scene, experimenting with sounds that would define electronic music in the years to come.

Mix-Up works well if you're into hypnotic, immersive listening experience, disorienting auditory landscapes and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Mix-Up?

Mix-Up has 9 tracks, running approximately 43 minutes.

Released 47 years ago this October

Mix-Up

Cabaret Voltaire · 1979

43 min · 9 tracks · electronic music

A pulsating blend of industrial textures and experimental rhythms that challenge conventional song structures with a raw, avant-garde edge.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kirlian Photograph — This opening track encapsulates the album's sonic experimentation with its layered textures and rhythmic complexity, setting a compelling tone for the record.
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Heaven and Hell — This track stands out for its hypnotic beat and atmospheric soundscapes, showcasing the band's ability to blend melody with industrial noise.
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Photophobia — With its driving rhythm and unsettling ambiance, this track exemplifies the darker themes explored throughout 'Mix-Up', pushing boundaries of conventional music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental structure and innovative sound mark it as a significant work in electronic music.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of repetitive, looping motifs that create a hypnotic effect throughout its tracks.
Tracks often shift abruptly in texture and rhythm, with little regard for traditional song structures or verse-chorus formats.
Several pieces incorporate field recordings and found sounds, adding an experimental layer to the electronic compositions.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

hypnotic, immersive listening experience
disorienting auditory landscapes
gradual builds and payoffs
contemplative late-night moods

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on October 23, 1979, 'Mix-Up' was Cabaret Voltaire's first full-length album following their initial singles and EPs. At this stage, they were firmly establishing their identity within the burgeoning post-punk scene, experimenting with sounds that would define electronic music in the years to come.
Stylistic neighbors: Throbbing Gristle· Front 242· Skinny Puppy

New to Cabaret Voltaire? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Kirlian Photograph 5:52
2 No Escape 3:40
3 Fourth Shot 4:03
4 Heaven and Hell 5:57
5 Eyeless Sight (live) 3:15
6 Photophobia 5:56
7 On Every Other Street 4:02
8 Expect Nothing 6:10
9 Capsules 4:06

What to play next

Listen next

The Voice of America

1980

Go back to

Live at the Y.M.C.A.

Full Cabaret Voltaire discography Where to start with Cabaret Voltaire Artists like Cabaret Voltaire

new wave synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata