Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope was released on 1 August 1980 and was the first album with drummer Budgie and guitarist John McGeoch. After the departure of McKay and Morris the band regrouped and used synthesizers and drum machines for the first time. Red Light and Lunar Camel are the most electronic tracks. During a session the members swapped roles: Budgie played bass and Severin played guitar on Tenant.

It peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart, the highest position the band had reached to that point. It was preceded by the singles Happy House and Christine. Melody Maker described it as a kaleidoscope of sound and imagery, and ZigZag's Kris Needs called it probably the most varied, diverse and adventurous offering yet from the Banshees. Robert Smith later listed it among his five favourite albums.