The last Cure album (BLOODFLOWERS) was one of their finest albums. It eventually signalled a return to the live circuit for a band with many fans worldwide, and a style of rock which is both distinctive and highly emotive.

But I also sensed that leadman Robert Smith dominated proceedings with his vocals and songs. I recently read in one newspaper report that the new album’s famous heavy rock producer Ross Robinson forced Smith to explain his songs to the rest of the band, in order to generate a more unified recording approach. And it may well have worked because the instrumentals here are more dramatic that I can remember. Essentially, THE CURE is a highly introspective album (no surprises there then) about loving relationships.

Opener Lost opens with the refrain “I Can’t find myself, I can’t find myself…” and a relentless, doom-laden guitar riff that gives the song the most dramatic ambience. Smith is at his pleading best, and the song is totally and utterly stunning. An Eastern guitar sound is all-pervading as an echoed Smith vocal ploughs its way through another dark-as-night song called Labyrinth. The melody is strong and the lyrics devastating, “Say it’s the same sun spinning in the same sky, say it’s the same stars streaming in the same night, Tell me it’s the same world whirling through the same space…” It’s a desperate song about existence and with an invigorated band, the outcome is awesome.

The End Of The World is to be the first single from the album and has probably been chosen for its more radio-friendly and less desperate vibe. But it’s certainly not the best song here… For that honour there are other contenders such as the heavily instrumental love ballad Anniversary with its softer tone and haunting ambience. The clarity of vocals displayed is exemplified by another highlight (I Don’t Know What’s Going) On where Smith declares his love and uncertainty about a relationship (“I don’t know what’s going on, I am so confused by you…”). Ross Robinson has managed the very difficult trick of finding the perfect balance between vocal and instruments, so that each have their own space and power. The album closes on two amazing songs: the raw, immensely powerful The Promise, and slow and contemplative Going Nowhere.

I’m hoping to see the band perform live soon, and this new album has raised my expectations of just how good that event could be. A highly recommended, mature rock album with the added bonus of a ‘making of’ DVD.

4/5