I was lucky enough to hear some of these songs live when I went to see The Cure two years ago, which gives you an idea of the time and care that has gone into crafting their first release in 16 years. ‘Songs Of a Lost World’ is one of few albums worth such a wait. It’s epic, atmospheric, and melancholic, punctuated by long swathes of dramatic percussion and intricate instrumental melodies that progress into climaxes of raw, heartfelt lyrics delivered by Robert Smith’s powerful vocals. Though far from the peppy, jangly, post-punk hits that shot The Cure to fame in the 80s, their sound has aged like fine wine. LT

Out now on Polydor