A new twist on an old Cure
Much has been made about the Cure's 23 year absence from Japan, and on Friday night, Robert Smith and the band did as much as they could to make up for it, playing a set nigh on 2 hours, including 2 encores.
Japanese audiences have waited a long time to the "godfather of gloom" or a rock star who finally made it OK to sit in your room and mope, ultimately emerging with a frightful hairdo held high with hairspray and eyes thickened with mascara.
Tonight, Robert Smith didn't disappoint, wearing a trademark all-black outfit including a knee length skirt over a pair of paints, with enough beads and jewelry to outfit a small trinket shop. On his feet he had monster boots, though his make-up has been toned down recently, little more than red lipstick and mascara.
While his attire hasn't changed, much of the band's music has, in part because of new arrangements meant to work around melodies no longer played on the synthesizer, as well as an upcoming album in the works which will be released very soon, the band's 13th album to date.
The Cure started Friday's set on unsteady footing, playing ua pair of obscure songs such as "Out of this World" and "Pictures of You" before getting into familiar territory with "Fascination Street". Nearing the half-hour mark, Smith announced he was playing a song which they band played 23 years ago on their last visit to Japan, "The Walk"". This song had the familiar lyrics, but considerably more guitar and bass than the original number. The same was true for "Hot, Hot, Hot"and "Friday I'm in Love" though the band got it just right when they dove further into their back catalogue with its such as "Inbetween Days","Just like Heaven", and "One Hundred Years".
Smith was ebullient throughout the show, walking to either side of the long stage and even commenting about how intimate the setting was, wishing he could communicate more with the audience.
And finally, it was time for encores, not one, as the band went back and "Let's go to bed", "Close to me", "Why can't i be you?", and of course "Boys don't cry".
In the end, Smith bowed to the crowd with a sincere smile and wave, overcoming his shyness for just a split second and reminding us all of both our fondest and most painful youthful memories.
Reported by sean (2007.07.28 / 01:29)
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