Curious- Arrythmia

Artist: Curious

CD Title: Arrythmia

Label: Sonorium

Website: www.myspace.com/curiousgermany

Genre: Gothic, Alternative, Indie

Reviewer: Michael Fearon

Date: 1-19-11

Curious is no more.

That is the news I have had to come to terms with, as when tasked with reviewing this, their final album, Arrhythmia. The haunting, and yet beautiful introduction to 'Days', the second song of this eleven track album is, I think, its defining song.

Hear it here: https://curious.bandcamp.com/album/arrhythmia

Curious describe themselves as having emerged from their roots as a cover band, largely playing tracks by the Cure, and this song with its transcendent blend of slow guitar harmonies, coupled with a solid bassline and soft piano melodies carry the Robert Smith-esque vocals show their roots and influences clearly.

That is not to say however, that this band should be considered the poor man’s Cure, they have their own style, which I can honestly say, takes you on a journey with the band.  The album begins with a relaxed tone, gradually building the atmosphere up as the album progresses, notably in their fourth track 'To Run'', which, while not moving at breathtaking pace, would certainly not feel out of place on the dance floor in an alternative nightclub.

The band has that quality of giving you songs which, upon hearing for the first time, you feel instantly familiar with, like favored songs from your youth.  This is in no small part due to their overall musical style, a subtle blend of 80's synthpop, with gothic themes, and one can only wonder if this band were just that much too late on to the scene (having arrived in the late 90's) to really make it big.

The production of the albums is professionally undertaken, but leaves a little to be desired, making it sound at times as though you may be listening to a band that are playing at the far end of a large room, but largely it is well presented, the levels are all right, and every layer can be clearly heard, blending seamlessly into the songs as a whole.

This album was initially released in 2008, and due for re-release next month, is the last we will hear of Curious, which in my eyes is a shame.  While not standing shoulder to shoulder with genre brothers The Cure, and more recent gothic acts such as Dommin; they have more than earned the right for you to have a listen, and see what you think for themselves. If I had to pinpoint a single thing about this band and point it out as their best quality, without a doubt it would be their songwriting, which overrides any production issues one might have when listening to the album. This writer for one will be sad to see them go.

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