The Cure is a band who thankfully hasn't resorted to desperate attempts at remaining
relevant (can you imagine a Cure and Rihanna duet?). Instead, the band owes
their longevity to a pursuit of perfection within the pop-goth genre, which
they helped pioneer.
Robert Smith gave many new-wave goths a reason for listening in
the 1980's, and nearing age 50 many of his songs deal with emotional strife
common in his earlier work. And he’s
still got the same crazy frizzed-out hair. The new Album 4:13 Dream is a well-crafted mix of angsty
drama pop.
The first single, "The Only One" is certainly one of the best
songs off the new album, while "The Perfect Boy,"
"Sirensong" and "The Reasons Why" seem like they could’ve
been perfectly good Disintegration (1989) B-Sides.
But for me, the 'depressing but I can dance to it' factor that earned The
Cure fame is missing in songs like "Sleep When I'm Dead,"
"Underneath The Stars" and "It's Over." This may disappoint
some but please others who resented their 'poppy' turn in the late 80's.
Aside from a question of whether dark or pop prevails, the new album
delivers some great songs. The strong treble bass, melodic guitar, and Smith's unique dark voice have always been the band’s staples, and they remain so in this
effort.
Overall, I think fans will be pleased, but it won't be one of those albums
that sells millions and brings in a new generation of fans.
Click
here to purchase 4:13 Dream.
– Andy
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