4:13 Dream, the latest release by rock stalwarts The Cure, alternates a bit in style between some of their previous records. At times it is a very Wish-era blend of dreamy shoegazer rock mixed with more upbeat radio-friendly goth-rock. At other times, it hearkens back to much of their earlier work with more of a raw, punk edge that is short and direct.
The disc opens with the lush "Underneath The Stars," which is The Cure at their best, with swirling layers of guitars ascending as plaintive vocals float above and within. Then it's on to the radio readiness of "The Only One," an instantly catchy song very much akin to the happier pop-rock of "High" from Wish. An excellent deep album cut, "The Reasons Why" borrows a bit of the playful jauntiness of some of the stronger tracks from the group's B-sides collection.
By this point on the album, the group has already made more of an emotional connection then they did on their previous, eponymous release. Granted, 4:13 Dream was long in the works, causing release delays and resultant tour delays, but for the most part it comes off as both a polished and intentional release. It wasn't just time for another record; it sounds like a record they actually wanted to make — and make right. Not to say that their last album was altogether bad, but it sounded like what one might expect of a Cure record, nothing more. This time around, the band sounds more inspired.
The old-school vibe comes to the fore on "Freakshow," which could've easily been one of the album's first singles. In much the same way, "Switch" mines an intentionally jangly and dirtied-up bass groove to deliver some more retro punch to the track, a la Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me. "Sleep When I'm Dead" also achieves this balancing act very effectively between its retro sonic crunch and polish. Overall, its raw energy and sheen is this album's unifying force.
Article comments
1 - Chris Beaumont
I had completely forgotten about this release. Sounds good. I need to go pick up a copy.
2 - musichyper
THis is classic Cure and I'm glad they haven't changed much at all. it wouldn't be the cure any other way.
I Hyped 4:13 Dream on Everhype and gave it 97% which I think is fairly accurate.
I wouldn't mind getting some opinions on it. If you get on there, rate me a 5 & request friendship.
3 - Darrenrogers
It's a nice balance of sounds for them. And the emotional core is still there, which is what's important. Not too many of their modern descendants have that emotional core, which makes all the difference.
A friend played me a track by "Repeater"... anyone heard of these guys? I think they're new, but they're doing it right.
4 - Jeremy Lyons
Yeah I've heard of "Repeater," cause my friend gave me a copy of their album, "Iron Flowers" and it was great. They're really gonna make a splash in the music scene, I just know it.