The Scream

by Siouxsie and the Banshees

The Scream cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 13 November 1978
  • Label: Polydor
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 45:13
  • Community rating: 3.73/5 from 12 ratings

Artists on this release: Steven Severin, Kenny Morris, Siouxsie Sioux, John McKay

Album Notes & Community Reviews

As a foundational work of post-punk, 'The Scream' is defined by an innovative musical democracy, interweaving John McKay's serrated guitar work, Steven Severin's prominent bass-led rhythms, and Siouxsie Sioux's detached, sliding vocals. The band's machine-like performance, featuring Kenny Morris's tom-focused and cymbal-sparse drumming, was captured by co-producer Steve Lillywhite with deep echo and unconventional recording techniques to create a cold, cinematic soundscape that amplifies the album's lyrical themes of suburban anxiety and psychological disorientation.

Genres

Descriptors: atmospheric, bleak, minimalist, confrontational, menacing, guitars, dissonant, melodic, female-vocals

Tracklist

  1. Pure (01:51)
  2. Jigsaw Feeling (04:38)
  3. Overground (03:47)
  4. Carcass (03:49)
  5. Helter Skelter (03:47)
  6. Mirage (02:50)
  7. Metal Postcard (Mittageisen) (04:14)
  8. Nicotine Stain (02:57)
  9. Suburban Relapse (04:13)
  10. Switch (06:57)
  11. Hong Kong Garden (02:55)
  12. The Staircase (Mystery) (03:15)

Credits

More from Siouxsie and the Banshees: full discography