The working title for the album was Christmas, however sources close to the band say that title has been rejected. The actual title has not been decided upon, but it appears to be a horse race between Shatter (which has been pegged as the albums closing track, and is described as a 9 minute Cure epic. The most heart-wrenching lyrics Robert [Smith] has ever written) and Sex (a suggestion from bassist Simon Gallup that always seems to pop up. Simon has been wanting "Sex" for more than 15 years, and he may finally get his wish).
The albums' sound has been described as having the intensity of Pornography and Wish mixed with the moodiness of Disintegration or Faith. It's definitely a dark album, but there's an edge to the songs that�s been missing in recent material. That "edge" is being attributed to the improved playing of guitarist Perry Bamonte, and the recruitment of David Bowie's guitarist Reeves Gabrels (who also played on the band's last single Wrong Number"). Reeves has added a dimension to the Cure that's been missing since Porl [Thompson] left [in 1993] says the source. Reeves may even tour with them this time around.
Some of the songs that are expected to make the final cut include: Seaside (possibly the lead-off single), Leave, Trip Up, Three Rings, Never For You (a very intense "guitar" song), Hope (sort of a sequel to Faith, dark and beautiful), Swallow, Of All The Years Missed, Theme (a 6 minute instrumental with [keyboardist] Roger [O'Donnell] on synths and Robert on the 6-string bass. No drums or guitars) and the aforementioned Shatter.
The band reportedly have 30 songs complete, of which 20 will be recorded. 12 of those tracks are expected for the album, 4 for b-side's, and 4 more that are destined for "special projects". One of those, entitled Fear, will end up on Elektra's X-Files:Blackwood movie soundtrack (due in May). Fear is not really representative of the new album. It sounds like a techno version of 100 Years [from the bands 1982 album Pornography]. The band are also recording a cover of Depeche Mode's World in My Eyes for a DM tribute album being put together by the industrial/techno band God Lives Underwater. But that's not the only cover the group is recording. They're also doing a cover that no one is supposed to mention, because the details haven't been finalized yet, but I can tell you that its for another tribute album. The track is very tongue-in-cheek, and is quite silly.
The album will be preceded by a 10 date European festival tour, and the band intend to mount a US tour before November. But don't expect another go-round like the bands massive 54 date Swing Tour in 1996. The idea is to play 25-30 dates in the US, half of those in arenas and the rest in smaller theatres. The new year will see the band playing two countries that are rarely on the Cure's itinerary: Japan and Australia.
From there, it's anyone�s guess what will happen to the band. Will they re-sign with Elektra, or shop their services around? Many speculate that it will be the end of the Cure, others say it will be a new beginning for them, and some say that Smith will take his act solo. Whatever happens,one insider promises this: The next year and a half will be an interesting and exciting time to be a Cure fan. If they're going out, then they're going out with a very loud bang.
- Special report by April Phoolz