Book Review: The Cure – A Perfect Dream

Ian Gittins has meticulously penned a dark and emotional biography that follows The Cure’s music from cult to the mainstream, detailing their fashion, chart successes and times of inactivity.

BOOK

THE CURE: A PERFECT DREAM

Ian Gittins

(Palazzo Editions Ltd)

7/10

Ian Gittins has meticulously penned a dark and emotional biography that follows The Cure’s music from cult to the mainstream, detailing their fashion, chart successes and times of inactivity. Robert Smith’s iconic image is the first thing that springs to mind for many, so there are a lot of unexpected tails and new character details about the entire band and their dynamic. Drugs, depression and physical fights mark this as your expected rock ‘n’ roll story, yet the unique characters and timing at the foundation of the post-punk and goth scene. Their progress from the edge of the punk scene in the early ‘80s to sold-out stadiums years later shows their success in style, without losing their creative gothic edge. In 2018, The Cure’s debut album ‘Three Imaginary Boys’ was released 40 years ago whilst the band’s most popular album ‘Disintegration’ celebrates its 30th anniversary next year. Though the band has come far, the book isn’t cheerful. But what can you expect from Pop’s Princes of Darkness?