The Cure "The Cure" (I Am Records/Geffen) Sounds like: A dying man who spends his last breath uttering brilliant music. 3 1/2 stars
From the first time Robert Smith cries, "I can't find myself" on The Cure's new self-titled release, it is clear this album is going to ruthlessly drag its listener into the depths of Smith's anguish. It's debatable whether Smith is actually a very depressed man or just has a pleading voice that sings yearning vocals, but nevertheless "The Cure" is an achingly moody piece of musical genius that no contemporary band has been able to successfully duplicate.
The Cure, who will visit D.C. Aug. 6, is a band most known for their danceable '80s hits "Just Like Heaven" and "Friday I'm in Love," and more recently from 311's revolting cover of "Lovesong." They are often misconstrued as a pop-y band that sings nice songs about love, but most of The Cure's best songs have been their brooding and strange songs that were often overlooked. This remains the case even on this album - the single being released is "The End of the World," by far the least depressing song on the entire release.
The album's two best and most anguished songs are "Lost," which boasts the previously-mentioned "I can't find myself" lyrics, and "Us or Them," on which Smith rails "I don't want you anywhere near me." These despairing words are about average for most of the album's lyrical content. Based solely on his words, it is a good bet that Smith should be on some sort of mood-elevator, but based on the utter brilliance of his songwriting, it's probably better to keep Smith on the brink.
The Cure - whose lineup now consists of singer and guitarist Smith, bassist Simon Gallup, guitarist Perry Bamonte and drummer Jason Cooper - seems to be one of those bands that just keeps coming back for more. Their last release, 2000's "Bloodflowers," was largely ignored, but the recent resurgence of '80s synth-driven guitar pop bodes well for "The Cure."
Smith and crew seem aware of this '80s rebirth and are capitalizing on it by organizing one of the summer's most anticipated music tours. Entitled Curiosa, the tour boasts a lineup of bands such as the Rapture, Interpol and Mogwai. Auf der Mar, Thursday, Muse, Cursive, the Cooper Temple Clause and Head Automatica will rotate on a second stage throughout the tour, which kicks off July 24 in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Curiosa will hit D.C. Aug. 6 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com. For additional tour dates and more information, visit www.thecure.com.
