Half an Octopuss & Quadpus cover

Half an Octopuss & Quadpus

The Cure · 1985

18 min · 4 tracks · alternative rock

A vibrant exploration of new wave and post-punk, blending melodic hooks with atmospheric soundscapes.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    A Night Like This — This track exemplifies the band's signature blend of melancholy and melody, showcasing Robert Smith's evocative vocal delivery against a backdrop of lush instrumentation.
  • →
    Close to Me (12″ mix) — This extended version amplifies the song's infectious groove, allowing listeners to fully immerse themselves in its catchy chorus and dynamic arrangement.
  • →
    A Man Inside My Mouth — This track stands out for its quirky lyrical imagery and playful yet unsettling soundscape, reflecting The Cure's willingness to experiment with form and content.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong melodies and production but lacks some cohesion in its experimental approach.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a steady drumbeat and layered guitars, establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists throughout the EP.
  • The final track introduces a more experimental sound with unconventional song structures and dissonant elements, contrasting with the preceding tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Showcases The Cure's evolution into more experimental sounds post-breakthrough.
Career context
Released in 1985, this EP followed The Cure's breakthrough album 'The Head on the Door' and showcases their evolution into more experimental sounds. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their status in the alternative rock scene while continuing to push the boundaries of gothic and new wave music.
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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 A Night Like This 4:16
  • 2 New Day 4:08
  • 3 Close to Me (12″ mix) 6:31
  • 4 A Man Inside My Mouth 3:05

What to play next

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me
Listen next

Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

1987

Continues the vibrant sound with more diverse arrangements and catchy melodies.
The Head on the Door
Go back to

The Head on the Door

1985

Sets the stage with similar atmospheric elements and new wave influences.
Full The Cure discography Where to start with The Cure Artists like The Cure
alternative rock new wave post-punk

If this landed

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Shares ethereal melodies and dark romantic themes within a lush sonic landscape.

Some Great Reward

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Depeche Mode

Combines driving rhythms with dark themes, capturing a similar post-punk energy.

Closer

Closer

Joy Division

Explores existential themes and atmospheric soundscapes, resonating with gothic undertones.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata