Is The Scream a good place to start with Siouxsie and the Banshees?

Yes, The Scream is recommended as a starting point for new Siouxsie and the Banshees listeners. A visceral blend of post-punk energy and gothic atmosphere, driven by haunting melodies and Siouxsie's distinctive vocal prowess. The Scream is Siouxsie and the Banshees' debut album, released in November 1978. This marked the band's entry into the music scene just after their formation in 1976, setting the stage for their influential role in the post-punk movement.

Who is The Scream for?

The Scream works well if you're into short, intense listening sessions, raw, emotional soundscapes and dynamic shifts in energy.

How many songs are on The Scream?

The Scream has 10 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

The Scream

Siouxsie and the Banshees · 1978

39 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock

A visceral blend of post-punk energy and gothic atmosphere, driven by haunting melodies and Siouxsie's distinctive vocal prowess.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Pure Start here — Opening with an unsettling tension, this track encapsulates the album's blend of urgency and abstraction, showcasing Siouxsie's unique vocal delivery.
→
Jigsaw Feeling — This song combines fragmented lyrics with a driving rhythm, reflecting the chaotic emotions of youth while highlighting the band's experimental edge.
→
Helter Skelter — A cover of The Beatles' classic, this rendition is infused with a punk rawness that transforms it into a dark anthem, illustrating the band's ability to reinterpret influences.
→
Metal Postcard (Mittageisen) — This track stands out for its hypnotic repetition and eerie ambiance, demonstrating the band's innovative approach to soundscapes within post-punk.
→
Switch — Closing the album with an extended piece, 'Switch' showcases intricate guitar work and experimental structure, leaving listeners with an impression of unnerving complexity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The Scream showcases strong songwriting and production, marking a distinct entry into the post-punk genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a driving rhythm in 'Pure', immediately establishing a high-energy post-punk sound.
Tracks like 'Helter Skelter' and 'Metal Postcard' feature dissonant guitar riffs that contribute to the album's gothic atmosphere.
Several tracks, such as 'Jigsaw Feeling' and 'Nicotine Stain', utilize abrupt tempo changes that create a sense of urgency and unpredictability.

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: 7/10

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

short, intense listening sessions
raw, emotional soundscapes
dynamic shifts in energy
haunting atmospheric moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Debut album that established the band's reputation in post-punk.
Themes: London punk scene· emotional turmoil· chaotic instrumentals
Career context: The Scream is Siouxsie and the Banshees' debut album, released in November 1978. This marked the band's entry into the music scene just after their formation in 1976, setting the stage for their influential role in the post-punk movement.
Stylistic neighbors: The Cure· Bauhaus· Joy Division