Chvrches teamed up with Robert Smith at tonight’s BandLab NME Awards 2022, where they performed Screen Violence cuts “Asking For A Friend” and “How Not To Drown,” plus the Cure classic “Just Like Heaven.” As NME notes, the Awards mark the first time the Scottish synth-pop trio and Smith have performed their album collaboration together live; in fact, Chvrches met Smith in person for the first time yesterday during rehearsals. “How Not To Drown” also won the Best Song By A UK Artist prize at the Awards. While performing, Smith wore a Ukrainian flag sticker on his guitar in a show of solidarity.

“The NME were really nice to us and gave us a miniature gig during their ceremony,” Chvrches singer Lauren Mayberry said prior to introducing “Just Like Heaven,” which she sang opposite Smith. Watch some fan-shot performance videos below.

UPDATE: In an interview with NME, Smith has also revealed when we can expect more music from the Cure. “I’ve been working on two Cure albums, and one of them is finished,” Smith said. “Unfortunately, it’s the second one that’s finished. [On the other] I’ve got to do four vocals, and there are 10 songs on each album. We’re mixing next month on April 1, so I’ve got three weeks left.”

Smith also told the outlet what the Cure’s new album would be titled: “I know what it’s called – it’s called Songs Of The Lost World. It’s got artwork, it’s got a running order, it’s almost done! They’re so slow because of vinyl, but it might come in September. I’d rather it just came out. I can’t stand the anticipation.”

The Cure singer also talked about a planned a solo album, due out next year. Describing the differences in sounds, he said: “Well the first Cure album is relentless doom and gloom. It’s the doomiest thing that we’ve ever done. The second one is upbeat, and my [solo] one won’t be out until next year.”

 

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