4-piece...good or bad?

Hi all,

I am not sure if this has been discussed here before (haven`t been around for some time), but in case not....

So, now it is Robert, Simon, Jason and Roger. So far we have only heard 1 concert with this line-up. It would be wrong and unfair to judge a new line-up on the basis of 1 concert - especially considering that it was a one-off in an inactive (aside Reflections) periode of the band.
But you do you think? Does this line-up/instrumentation represent a possible future for the band? In the studio it will be no problem, but I imagine that some songs will be difficult live. Of course they can just skip those songs, but a given line-up does have certain limitations. Still, I was surprised that the guitar-only incarnation of The Cure played Plainsong and I was also suprised that the 1-guitar-only version played Open at Bestival. So maybe I will be surprised again..!
Anyway, I am quite positive about the new line-up. I think the band will take a look at the back catalouge and search for songs that fits the current line of instruments. Maybe that will bring back some songs we haven`t heard in a long time to the setlist. Sure, Bestival wasen`t filled with surprises (aside from Caterpillar...which sounded great), but remember that it was just a one-off, a festival concert etc etc.
Finally, I would like to say that I think that Robert will blossom a guitarist if he is the only one. Both Reflections and Bestival shows just how good a guitarist he is. Maybe he is not at full speed just yet, but I am sure it will come. His skills on the guitar has often been over-looked, I think...
Well, you do YOU think about the future of the new 4-piece....?

I'm quietly confident that they will sound just fine.
There has been talk of a slightly different sound & in all honesty, they really did miss that keyboard layer.
The 4Tour line up was a good one & your example of Plainsong is a good example. The arrangement was stunning.
But the continual fuzz & wah wah did get a bit tiring after a while. However, I think it was done deliberately to fill that layer that the keyboard would have taken care of.
On Bob's axe skills. I think he's already up to full speed. Just get your ears round I'm Cold & Foxy Lady (to name but a few) from Reflections. Simply stunning.
What I guess we heard at Bestival was a band that had to re-rehearse new arrangements that had previously been adjusted to fit the 4Tour line up. But they did a sterling job & with RS taking the guitar duties alone I am quite excited about what could happen. I still think that, in the studio anyway, they'll try out that stripped back sound (almost Seventeen Seconds like) they gave on 4Play. I was fully expecting 4:13 Dream to sound like that, but alas, someone got a bit "friendly" with the effect & the master gain.
In short. Good

I have no concerns. Bring on the 17 seconds influenced minimalistic approach...

I'm good with it. Different songs, different arrangements, whatever. If we'd all been listening to the same songs being played the same way for the last 20-30 years we'd all have got bored and gone home long before now.
Also this means I am unlikely to ever hear Wrong Number being played live, which is a bonus

Originally Posted by debora

Also this means I am unlikely to ever hear Wrong Number being played live, which is a bonus

Nooooooooooooooo!

But you're right. Like this we could be treated to a set with songs that haven't seen the light of day for too long. That would be interesting.

I think Robert's a good lead guitarist, he gets overlooked a lot just because usually you have Porl or Perry. I think this line-up will probably stick for awhile, but at some point they'll bring in a second guitarist; my gut tells me Porl. I thought the 4Tour was great, and the new arrangements were fantastic. If Bestival is any indication, then I don't think we have anything to worry about with the current line-up.

Edit: I'd like to see Porl and Roger in the same line-up again, really enjoyed the work they did together albeit the briefness of the era. Can't say that it wouldn't be nice to see Perry back in the band, because I'm very partial to the Swing/Bloodflowers line-up as well. But like I said earlier, my gut is telling me Porl will inevitably return to the fold.

Originally Posted by steve

in all honesty, they really did miss that keyboard layer.

ding ding ding.... we have a winner! The Cure has to have KEYBOARDS. Another guitar would add depth but it aint gonna be Porl me thinks (although I still do love his playing). And I LOVE Wrong Number!!! boooo...lol

Originally Posted by pipperoo

And I LOVE Wrong Number!!! boooo...lol

Hahaha! I don't dislike it either.

Haha well OK it has grown on me never gonna be top of my list though

What's the deal with Wrong Number? Wonder why only Robert, Jason and some other guy recorded it?