02/10/2024

LYFE WEDNESDAY | OCT 2, 2024

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The Cure drops first drops first new single in 16 years Smith retains his darkly gothic world view in new single, Alone .

seven-inch format of yore. Alone is dark and rich in atmospherics that The Cure is renowned for, the lush opening schords reminiscent of the soundscapes found on Wish (1992). A sweeping string section greets Smith’s melancholic vocals as it takes listener on a sonic journey that is reminiscent of its late 80s and early 90s output. It may not quite scale the heights of its most popular releases but Alone highlights the band in fine mettle. The slow tempo builds to an epic crescendo, which leaves listeners hankering for more. The fact the internet is buzzing over this new single is testament to the band’s enduring popularity. Given that The Cure was formed in 1976, one could forgive if Smith and cohorts hop on a greatest hits tour and be content mining its status one of the UK’s national treasures. But on the strength of this new single, it appears The Cure is not yet ready to don the ultra-comfy slippers of a “legacy act”. Fans await with bated breath for the new album Songs of a Lost World , which is slated for release on Nov 1.

IF one did not already find Radiohead’s music challenging enough, picture the band’s notoriously difficult album Hail to the Thief being adapted as accompaniment to a stage performance of a literary classic. Intrigued? Well, this project is set to take off the ground as lead singer Thom Yorke has worked with designer and director Christine Jones as well as director and choreographer Steven Hoggett to create a new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet . According to the band’s social media site, the songs from Hail to the Thief have been deconstructed and remoulded into a score to serve the play to be performed by live musicians and cast members. “This is an interesting and intimidating challenge! Adapting the original music of Hail to the Thief for live performance with the actors on stage to tell this story that is forever being told, using its familiarity and sounds, pulling them into and out of context. Seeing what chimes with the underlying grief and paranoia of Hamlet, using the music as a‘presence’ in the room, watching how it collides with the action and the text. Ghosting one against the other,” noted Yorke on Facebook. Hail to the Thief was first released in T HE hair remains suitably razzled and the lipstick haphardly smeared but can The Cure still deliver the goods after such a long hiatus? Although Robert Smith and co remain hugely popular with intermittent arena world tours, Alone is the band’s first slab of new music in 16 years. Long time fans will be wondering which version of Smith will be on show? The writer of such fine jangly pop gems such as Friday I’m in Love and The Lovecats or the dark introspective musician who oversaw the creation of the masterpiece opus that is Disintegration (1989). Fans of the latter will rejoice upon hearing this new single, clocking in at an epic seven minutes, eschewing the maximum three-minute afforded by o Alone is delicious taster of forthcoming full length album Ű BY R.BALA

Radiohead music to soundtrack Shakespeare play

Yorke is excited by the interesting yet intimidating challenge of scoring Hamlet to Radiohead’s music.

in Los Angeles in 2023 called Perchance to Dream presented a cyberpunk take on Hamlet using Radiohead’s music. The band also provided a song for Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 film version of Romeo and Juliet starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Exit Music (for a Film) was used, as the title suggests, over its end credits. The movie also featured their song Talk Show Host . No casting has yet taken place but Radiohead fanatics take note. Although the world premier is set to take place only in April next year, tickets go on sale today underlining the anticipated demand due to Yorke’s involvement. It will definitely appeal to more than just fans of the Bard. Hamlet Hail to the Thief is schedued to play at Aviva Studios in Manchester, home of Factory International, from April 27 – May 18, 2025, before moving to the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon from June 4 – 28, 2025. – by R.BALA

2003 and received lukewarm response but critics. However, the intervening years has seen fans proclaim it as an integral and important album in the Radiohead canon. However, this is not the first time Radiohead’s music has crossed path with the Bard. A concert performance

Besides voice acting, Hanazawa is also an accomplished actress.

Japanese voice actress Kana Hanazawa announces KL gig

JAPANESE voice actress Kana Hanazawa, known for her sweet looks and soothing voice, will be coming to Malaysia next month for her Hanazawa Kana Memoirs and Fingertips in KL concert. Hanazawa, often called the “sweet girl” in the anime community, is primarily a voice actress but has also released numerous songs. Her hit track Renai Circulation has become a fan-favourite, known for its bubblegum vibe. Besides voice acting,

Hanazawa an accomplished actress, gaining a large following with her outstanding performances and unique, powerful voice. She has also voiced Yuuki Mikan in To Love-Ru and Tachibana Kanade in Angel Beats . Organised by iMe Malaysia, Hanazawa Kana Memoirs and Fingertips in KL is scheduled for Nov 23 at Zepp Kuala Lumpur. Concert tickets range from RM368 to RM3,968 (eight pax), which are available now. is also

Tickets for Hamlet Hail to the Thief go on sale on today although no casting has yet been made. – PICS FROM FACEBOOK @RADIOHEAD