Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy did not take a different direction on the tenth album of their band The Cult. It paid off because they did not get lost and succeeded to take us on a road with them. Staying true to themselves and their unique style helped them to bring us an amazing dose of power and creativity. Coming after thirty years of career, Hidden City is a pearl in The Cult's discography. In some segments, it presents the band in their best version so far. With the fantastic synthesis of Billy Duffy's guitar (somewhere between rock n roll and gothic rock), matured voice of Ian Astbury and strong rhythm sections of John Tempest, The Cult is worth all the attention. It is one of the rare birds that are not desperately trying to hold onto the old fame. I am still not sure but Hidden City could be their best album. Boys can be proud because they certainly made some of the best songs of their career. The only complaint I have filters. They needed to filter their songs more.
Intro Dark Energy gives an impression of the band's second youth. The riff is one of the best Duffy has conceptualized. Stream from typical rock n roll to subtle gothic summarizes the essence of The Cult. Alongside infectious rhythm and melodies. No Love Lost is also cool. The first disappointment comes with cheerful Dance The Night. Not only that it spoils the ambient of the album, but it is also a candidate for one of the worst songs The Cult have ever recorded. It could pass as a postmodern music for Beverly Hills 90210. Chorus Dance the night on the boulevard made me sick. In Blood continues tradition of marvelous power ballades and Birds Of Paradise recalls the charming Gothic sound from the album Love. Guitars, emotional vocal, strong and consistent mid-tempo, tempting piano, magical atmospheric fadeout…those are just some of the parameters to proclaim this as one of their best songs. Intriguing single Hinterland put a smile on my face. I also like that it is not made for the radio. G O A T is a solid intermezzo before shocking Deeply Ordered Chaos. The song is inspired by Paris Attacks and the frustration sublimed through melancholy that can be felt with all out senses. Fragmented lyrics with words such as liberty, patiente, violence, Syria the fall make this the most painful moment of the album. Avalanche of Light comes after. Good decision.Irresistible Lilies has many guitars and piano. Too bad they did not incorporate mellotron, it would go very well with the current soundscape. The ambient of the album perfectly closes with spiritual piano ballade Sound and Furry.
With or without hits, The Cult is still a cult.
