The Cure – Seventeen Seconds LP

Description

It’s hard to believe thatthe Curecould release an album even more sparse thanThree Imaginary Boys, but here’s the proof. The lineup change that saw funkstery bassistMichael Dempseysqueezed out in favor of the more specific playing of (eventually the longest serving member outsideRobert Smith)Simon Gallup, and the addition of keyboardistMathieu Hartleyresulted in the band becoming more rigid in sound, and more disciplined in attitude. While it is not the study in loss thatFaithwould become, or the descent into madness ofPornography, it is a perfect precursor to those collections. In a sense,Seventeen Secondsis the beginning of a trilogy of sorts, the emptiness that leads to the questioning and eventual madness of the subsequent work. Mostly forgotten outside of the unforgettable single “A Forest,”Seventeen Secondsis an even, subtle work that grows on the listener over time. Sure,the Curedid better work, but for a new lineup and a newfound sense of independence,Robert Smithalready shows that he knows what he’s doing. From short instrumental pieces to robotic pop,Seventeen Secondsis wherethe Cureshed all the outside input and became their own band. -All Music Guide