Robert Smith, the frontman of The Cure, recently shared that performing songs from their latest album, Songs Of A Lost World, has been a significant way for him to cope with the grief of losing several close relatives over the past few years. In an interview with Huw Stephens on BBC Radio 6 Music, Smith described live performances as “hugely cathartic,” providing an escape from the pervasive sense of “doom and gloom” he had been experiencing. He emphasized the profound connection he feels with audiences during these moments, saying that this communal experience is what keeps him motivated to perform.

The band held a live session and also played an intimate concert for Radio 2 at the BBC Radio Theatre. This event featured their first new music in 16 years, including Alone, which serves as the lead single from their newly released album. The long-awaited record, which follows 2008’s 4:13 Dream, has been in development since 2019 and represents a significant return to form for the band.

Smith acknowledged that as he’s aged, crafting song lyrics that resonate with him has become increasingly challenging. He expressed how difficult it now is to write words that he feels compelled to sing, highlighting that achieving a sense of worthiness in his lyrics has become a hard-fought process. His wife Mary played a crucial role in shaping the album’s final tracklist, encouraging him to include more uplifting tracks amid the darker themes he initially focused on.

Formed in Crawley in 1978, The Cure have remained influential figures in alternative rock, blending themes of love and despair with intricate melodies. Their evolution from early post-punk influences to late-80s indie-pop icons is marked by hits like Lullaby and Friday I’m In Love from their acclaimed 1992 album, Wish.

Smith continues to be the band’s driving force, supported by long-time bassist Simon Gallup and other current members. Songs Of A Lost World draws on experiences from recent years and reflects Smith’s personal struggles with family loss, including his brother Richard’s passing. This loss deeply influenced tracks like I Can Never Say Goodbye.

In interviews discussing the album’s emotional depth, Smith noted the stark shift in perspective regarding death as one ages. This introspective quality is echoed throughout the album, which consists of only eight tracks yet captures a rich emotional landscape reminiscent of earlier works like Pornography and Disintegration. Early reviews praise Songs Of A Lost World for its return to form and introspective lyricism while highlighting tracks like Drone: Nodrone as standout moments.

The culmination of the album’s themes is evident in its closing track Endsong, which features poignant reflections on life and aging. The band’s recent performances balanced this somber material with fan favorites, creating an atmosphere of celebration amidst introspection. As they move forward creatively, Smith remains focused on completing new projects while acknowledging the passage of time’s impact on both himself and The Cure’s future endeavors.