Come Clean
Curve · 1998
57 min · 13 tracks · gothic rock
A swirling fusion of ethereal vocals and heavy guitar riffs creates a dreamlike yet haunting atmosphere throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chinese Burn — As the lead single, this track encapsulates Curve's signature blend of distorted guitars and lush synths, showcasing their ability to create an atmospheric soundscape.
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Coming Up Roses — This track features haunting melodies layered over pulsating rhythms, illustrating the band's knack for melding dark themes with captivating hooks.
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Forgotten Sanity — With its introspective lyrics and ethereal production, this track exemplifies the emotional depth present in Curve's songwriting during this period.
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Recovery — Serving as a poignant closer, this song contrasts raw, confessional lyrics with enveloping instrumentals, leaving listeners with a sense of resolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines ethereal elements with heavy rock but lacks a consistent arc across its length.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong single, 'Chinese Burn', which features layered guitars and ethereal vocals that set the tone for the rest of the record.
- Tracks often blend heavy guitar riffs with atmospheric synths, creating a dense soundscape that maintains a dreamlike quality throughout.
- Several songs incorporate tempo shifts, particularly in the second half, where tracks like 'Come Clean' slow down to create a more introspective mood.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- hypnotic beats for late nights
- eerie soundscapes for introspection
- immersive listening for focused sessions
- cathartic release through layered sounds
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tunes
- seek straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time Curve released Come Clean in 1998, they were navigating their third studio album after a series of lineup changes and shifting musical landscapes. Following the moderately successful Caught Beneath the Weight of Steam, this album sought to redefine their sound, blending elements of electronic music with their established gothic rock roots.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lush· My Bloody Valentine· Cocteau Twins
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Coming Up Roses
The lyrics shift from vivid imagery to a stark confrontation with reality, unveiling deeper personal struggles amidst an otherwise dreamy sound.
This transition not only heightens emotional tension but also underscores the contrast between escapism and harsh truths in the songwriting.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chinese Burn 4:50
- 2 Coming Up Roses 4:32
- 3 Something Familiar 4:07
- 4 Dog Bone 3:13
- 5 Alligators Getting Up 4:37
- 6 Dirty High 5:22
- 7 Killer Baby 3:55
- 8 Sweetback 4:31
- 9 Forgotten Sanity 4:32
- 10 Cotton Candy 5:32
- 11 Beyond Reach 4:55
- 12 Come Clean 2:16
- 13 Recovery 4:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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