The Cult
Born Into This

THE REVIEW

Since 2001, this great but often underrated band hadn't been making headlines, but now the wait is over and finally the long-awaited comeback is here, in our hands, titled Born Into This. And it truly is a rebirth!

It is a modern and dynamic alternative rock album that has nothing in common with previous works, starting from the deliberately sparse and minimal production that, on one hand, amplifies the band's street-level side, but on the other hand, slightly diminishes the compositional and performance value. However, it's nothing serious, after a couple of listens, these songs get into your system and you can't get enough.

But the new features don't stop there; indeed, we find Billy Duffy, who has shed the sometimes annoying guise of the 80s guitar hero, eliminating any attempt at solos to focus more on the songs, delivering dry and essential riffs and rocky rhythms reminiscent of lessons from indispensable groups like the Stooges, while on vocals, the excellent Ian Astbury proves to be a caustic and inspired vocalist with his lyrics that mix mysticism and politics.

The album kicks off well with the title track, a great piece of modern rock with a prominent full-bodied bass supported by an impetuous rhythm, which then opens up into a beautiful melodic chorus reminiscent of the Holy Barbarians (post-Cult experience of the singer).
The high standards continue until we reach the first single, "Dirty Little Rockstar", with an irresistible danceable groove supported by a vicious and sick voice worthy of the best Iggy Pop, which, with an appropriate remix, could make waves in various dance clubs... and it's not heresy, believe me!!

We then move on to the only slow track on the album, a classic acoustic song titled "Holy Mountain" which, with its melancholic reflective pace, is reminiscent of the wonderful "Hurt" by Johnny Cash.

What is most pleasing, aside from the musical discussion, is the courage of this band to challenge themselves by facing musical worlds alien to the style they had accustomed us to, without losing credibility. This is very important, especially when it comes from a band that doesn't have to prove anything to anyone anymore and could easily live off the laurels that decreed their worldwide success in the eighties.

So, while "Born Into This" is not a masterpiece, it still makes a good impression, leaving bands like Babyshambles, The Strokes, and various riff-raff in the dust, who may be on all the covers today but, rest assured, tomorrow will end up in the bargain bins.

So, listen to this CD without blinders, forget what was done before and pretend it's a new band; surprises will abound... let's hope we won't have to wait another six years!