8/10

It is truly difficult to summarise the impact and legacy The Cure have had on modern music. While notably known as one of the more mainstream additions of the gothic post-punk movement of the 1980s, the band's style has continued to inspire and influence many of the names we see on both the alternative and commercial arenas today. And while they haven't released any new music lately, they remain a stalwart of today's new music scene. So after more than sixteen years since their previous LP, they return with their long-awaited fourteenth studio album 'Songs Of A Lost World', a return that feels both timely and long-overdue.

Exploring more of that broad and expansive aesthetic their sound ventured towards in the latter half of their career, 'Songs Of A Lost World' looks to make itself as grand and anthemic as possible right from the off. Forty-five years on from their debut record, The Cure sound just as inventive and explorative as ever as they look to deliver one of their biggest and more impactful efforts to date, almost heralding in a new era to their tenure, one that feels like a finale but also a rebirthing depending on your state of mind.

It certainly feels like they wouldn't have returned at all if their newest material wasn't any good, but 'Songs Of A Lost World' skirts expectations at every turn. Returning with some brilliantly euphoric moments throughout, The Cure have returned with one of their more exciting and riveting releases of their entire career here.