Remix albums have always walked a tightrope, balancing the essence of their source material with the demand for something fresh and innovative. The Cure’s latest release, ‘Mixes of a Lost World,’ is no exception. It serves as a sonic extension of their 2024 comeback album, ‘Songs of a Lost World,’ offering fans a fresh take on the existing tracks while maintaining the band’s signature atmospheric soundscapes.
This isn’t the first time the legendary goth rock band has ventured into remix territory. Following the massive success of ‘Disintegration,’ The Cure released ‘Mixed Up’ in 1990, a collection of remixed tracks from their first decade. In 2018, ‘Torn Down’ continued the tradition, celebrating the band’s long-lasting influence by revisiting their extensive catalog.
However, ‘Mixes of a Lost World’ isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a modern reimagining, curated by frontman Robert Smith. This time, the band enlists an all-star lineup of producers and remixers, including Daniel Avery, Four Tet, Paul Oakenfold, and Orbital, each bringing their unique sonic palette to the project. These new versions transform The Cure’s original compositions into club-ready anthems, making the remixers as much a part of the story as the band itself.
The album presents a diverse array of interpretations, with some tracks revealing hidden layers of complexity. Oakenfold’s ‘Cinematic’ remix of ‘I Can Never Say Goodbye’ brings a lurking menace to the forefront, while Shanti Celeste’s ‘February Blues’ remix of ‘Alone’ explores the melancholic depths of the band’s most poignant song from the original album. Yet, not every remix manages to surpass the source material. While some artists like Sally C and JoyCut offer subtle tweaks, others, like meera, take bolder steps that almost leave The Cure behind entirely.
For longtime fans worried about another extended hiatus, there’s good news. Robert Smith has promised that the wait for the next album won’t stretch for another 16 years. Until then, ‘Mixes of a Lost World’ keeps the excitement alive, serving as both a celebration and a continuation of The Cure’s enduring legacy.
