Wild Mood Swings
Megan Frampton
CMJ
May 20, 1996
Although there is the occasional surprise on a Cure record -- lead
vocalist/songwriter Robert Smith sounding happy, for example -- there
isn't much that can (or should) be added to the band's essential sound,
making WILD MOOD SWINGS not nearly as chaotic as its title suggests. Smith's vocals,
as usual, take center stage, his theatrical phrasings and extravagant
lyrics never sounding too over-the-top, simply because it's coming from
him -- a well-established charismatic, attention-demanding figure. The
first single, "The 13th," is a softly melodic tune, slightly Latin in rhythm,
and showcases Smith's ever more melodramatic vocal stylings. "Mint Car's "
joyous bounce bellies Smith's normally somber pose, which is equally
absent on "Round & Round & Round," but "Numb" marks the gloomy Smith's
return. In addition to traditional rock instrumentation, there are
touches from both a brass and a string quartet, which add another
theatrical dimension to the songs. Robert Smith hasn't done much to
change his patented sound -- if anything, the additions have lightened
his tone a bit -- but with something so distinctive that speak to so many
people, there is no reason to do so, and Wild Mood Swings is a fine example of Smith's
vision.
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