It’S The Cure For What Ails You

Mon., April 24, 2000

Brian Thorpe Ferris

The Cure “Bloodflowers”

In the two decades since their genesis, The Cure have bounced back and forth between somber gothic ballads and yippy-skippy British-pop while scoring goals on both playing fields.

“Bloodflowers” marks the eccentric band’s first new studio material in four years. With “Bloodflowers” The Cure has created a spectacular album that blows away this listener. The eclectic instrumentation baits you with its hypnotizing and soothing acoustic guitar. Then the smothering, fuzzy electric guitar slides in and seductively beckons you to venture closer. After a few short moments of pure instrumentation, lead singer and lyricist Robert Smith’s warbling and wavering voice takes over and gently draws you into a vacuum where 11-minute songs seem to pass in seconds.

The lyrics are another part of “Bloodflowers” that are beautifully done. Profound and philosophic poems mix with the music to perfectly convey Smith’s emotions from the optimistic tale of love and humanity found within “The Loudest Sound” to the depressed and exhausted tone of “39.”

“Bloodflowers” is one of the best creations this year. You should have this album in your collection.

Grade: A+

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