The Cure
1. Is The Cure Goth? Examining the Evidence
So, you're wondering whether The Cure belongs in the goth or emo camp? It's a debate that's raged on for ages, like trying to decide if pineapple belongs on pizza (controversial, I know!). The truth is, things aren't always black and white, especially when you're dealing with music genres. Think of it like this: Genres are more like guidelines than actual rules. Robert Smith and The Cure, well, theyve definitely danced around both the goth and, to a lesser extent, emo scenes.
Let's start with the goth argument. The Cure's sound in the early to mid-80s was undeniably goth. Think dark, melancholic lyrics exploring themes of despair, isolation, and the general bleakness of existence. Add to that the heavy use of reverb, echoing guitars, and that signature gloom — and you've got a recipe for goth rock. "A Forest," "Killing an Arab," and "Disintegration" are prime examples. They practically drip with gothic atmosphere.
And then there's the visual aspect. Robert Smith's iconic look with his teased-out hair, smeared lipstick, and pale complexion became synonymous with the goth subculture. It's hard to deny the influence The Cure had on the way goths presented themselves. They weren't just making dark music; they were embodying the aesthetic.
But here's where things get interesting. The Cure has never really embraced the "goth" label fully. In fact, Robert Smith has often distanced himself from it, saying they're just a pop band making melancholic music. Which, let's be honest, is a bit of an understatement! But his reluctance to be pigeonholed is understandable. No artist wants to be defined by a single label, especially when their music is as diverse as The Cure's.
