The Darkness' Justin Hawkins applauds The Cure’s new era despite past criticism

Justin Hawkins, frontman of The Darkness, recently shared his admiration for The Cure's latest material, even though Robert Smith, the iconic voice of The Cure, previously expressed his dislike for The Darkness. Pioneer goth band The Cure is gearing up to release Songs of a Lost World, their first album in 16 years, following 4:13 Dream from 2008. The band has already teased their fans with two singles, "Alone" and "A Fragile Thing," both of which were previewed in live performances in 2022.

The full album is set to release on November 1. On October 6, The Cure teased "A Fragile Thing" via their fan WhatsApp group, and the next day, they shared another preview on social media. This new track, along with "Alone," has become a staple in their live performances, building excitement for the album's release.

Hawkins expressed his deep appreciation for the new material, despite Robert Smith’s criticism of The Darkness. In 2004, Smith told Rolling Stone he disliked The Darkness, referring to them as a "comedy band" and comparing their sound to a rehash of Queen, whom he also disliked (though one wonders if he at least gives Queen credit for being "real" and not a mere "comedy band"). Smith’s critique came as a personal blow to Hawkins, as he explained on his YouTube channel.

Hawkins admitted to having heckled Smith at a past awards ceremony, likely fueled by his disappointment over the comments. However, he doesn’t let Smith’s opinions cloud his admiration for him. He revealed that Robert Smith remains one of his favorite singers and acknowledged that The Cure’s influence, especially Smith’s vocal style, has shaped his own performance and singing techniques. Hawkins analyzed The Cure’s single "Alone" and praised its depth, noting that Smith’s vocals carried a new richness reminiscent of Jeff Buckley. He pointed out that Smith wasn’t merely relying on emotional delivery but was also demonstrating technical vocal ability.

Why the long wait for a new Cure album?

In recent interviews, Robert Smith has shared insight into the inspiration behind Songs of a Lost World. He disclosed that much of the album is shaped by personal grief, particularly the loss of his mother, father, and brother, which lends the album its darker, more melancholic tone. Smith has spoken candidly about the weight of these experiences, describing the new material as "relentless doom and gloom."

However, he also revealed that The Cure has been working on another, more upbeat album alongside Songs of a Lost World. The Cure's return with this album marks a significant moment, as fans have eagerly awaited new music since their 2019 Glastonbury set, during which they hinted at the new record. However, the long production process, as Smith explained, has been a result of the album drifting in and out of his life over the years.

He admitted regretting his earlier statements about the album's timeline in 2019. Before Songs of a Lost World hits stores, The Cure will perform two special shows for the BBC, with tickets available through a ballot system. Alongside these performances, the band has been teasing yet another track, "Endsong."

Meanwhile, The Darkness (the band, not the global political climate) is also making headlines. The band has announced a new album, Dreams On Toast, and a lead single titled "The Longest Kiss." They will also embark on a UK tour in support of their latest work, continuing their legacy of glam rock theatrics and flamboyant performances.

Despite the tension between Hawkins and Smith, it's clear that both The Cure and The Darkness continue to make significant contributions to the rock scene. While Robert Smith’s work with The Cure delves into deeper, more introspective territory, Hawkins and The Darkness bring their signature blend of humor and high-energy rock to their new material.