The Psychedelic Furs
Book Of Days

THE REVIEW

Late '80s. Is the New Wave now a thing of the past?

With "Disintegration," The Cure brought a niche genre into the charts, delivering a gloomy lullaby to the top of the charts worldwide, but... what about all the other bands? Are they destined to fade into oblivion because the trend has passed?

The answer, of course, is NO! Absolutely not!

In 2015, we all know that our favorite genre hasn't gone out of style; in fact, it's more alive than ever. However, not everyone may know that, hidden among the historic releases that contributed to its longevity, there exists a certain album by a London band called "The Psychedelic Furs." It flew under the radar at the time, was mistreated by the band's early fans because it was too different, too subdued compared to the first two albums. It almost seemed as if the band wanted to recreate a feeling with its followers, to find the harmony that had been interrupted due to the commercial success of that splendid fourth album, "Mirror Moves," led by the spectacular single "Heaven" in the 1984 Tim Pope video. A "disastrous" year (?) for the genre, which became mainstream thanks also to other albums like "The Head On The Door" by The Cure, captured on MTV, again by Tim Pope.

26 years later, I can't support the critics— and I would have dissociated myself even back then—because everything evolves and never stays the same when it desires to be and remain genuine.

And so do great bands, and this is a great band! One of the best experiences in the history of music.

"Shine" raises the curtain with an antithetical play between languid guitar and menacing bass. All supported by a dry drum rhythm. Then comes the voice of Richard Butler, with his deep and almost off-key tone that makes it unique, and it's a masterpiece. One of the best openings in all alternative discography, rivaling "Plainsong" by The Cure.

The psychedelia of a sick "Entertain Me" introduces the title track of the album: "Book Of Days." One of the most decadent gems of the entire New Wave.

The energy of "Should God Forget" crashes on the romantic viola of "Torch," whose rhythm is dictated by the acoustic guitar and underscored by Richard Butler's gripping narration, which surpasses himself in this track, then explodes into the final distortions that make it unique and indispensable. But it's with "House" that The Psychedelic Furs remind everyone, critics included, who they are, teaching a big lesson: you don't have to repeat yourself to be great.

It was thanks to this album, bought second-hand, that I discovered the Furs in 2000! Heartfelt thanks for your art.