Halliday and Garcia were introduced to each other by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Dean Garcia had played bass guitar as part of Eurythmics' live band in 1983–84 and on two of their studio albums, Touch and Be Yourself Tonight. Toni Halliday was signed to Stewart's Anxious Records label as a solo artist. She also sang with The Uncles and Bonk in the early 1980s.
Toni Halliday and Dean Garcia briefly formed the unsuccessful group State of Play in the late 1980s before parting ways. She attempted a solo career, releasing the album Hearts & Handshakes in 1989. The album was produced by Toni Halliday and Alan Moulder, who later got married. Alan Moulder also produced music for artists like Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails and My Bloody Valentine.
In 1991, Halliday reunited with Garcia to form Curve. Their alchemy the second time around created sonically charged music, setting heavy beats and Garcia's densely-layered guitar tracks and feedback against Halliday's airy vocalization of lyrics that frequently explore such topics as alienation, addiction and love on the wane. Curve released three acclaimed EPs throughout 1991 on Stewart's label Anxious Records: Blindfold EP, Frozen and Cherry. These EPs will be included on the compilation Pubic Fruit, issued a year later.
In 1992, Curve released their debut album Doppelgänger. The group also toured extensively during this period, with Halliday and Garcia being supported on stage by the additional guitarists Debbie Smith and Alex Mitchell, plus the drummer Steve Monti. Songs such as "Horror Head", "Coast Is Clear" and "Faît Accompli" brought them critical acclaim and built a solid fanbase for the group.
Their sophomore studio album, Cuckoo, was issued in 1993. The album was a musically more varied but significantly darker release than their debut. On their first two albums, Curve worked with producer Flood (U2, Smashing Pumpkins). Also in 1993, it saw the light of the day the live compilation Radio Sessions.
After nearly a decade and a half of partnership the band split in 1994. During their hiatus, Halliday formed the band Scylla. Their track "Helen's Face" was featured on the Showgirls soundtrack. Garcia began a solo project under the name Headcase.
Toni Halliday also collaborated with other artists, most notably with Leftfield on the track "Original", with Recoil on two songs, "Edge to Life" and "Bloodline" from Bloodline, with The Future Sound of London on the song "Cerebral", with Paul van Dyk on "Words (Curved Headcase Mix)" and with DJ? Acucrack on the song “So To Speak”.
In 1996, the single "Pink Girl With the Blues", marked Curve's official return, followed by the EP Chinese Burn. In 1997, the band released their fourth studio album Come Clean. Curve also contributed the track "Nowhere" to Greg Araki's movie of the same name. Halliday married producer Alan Moulder.
In 2001, the band released on the internet the compilation Open Day at the Hate Fest. This album contained music recorded by Curve since their reformation in 1996. In the same year, the band released the critically acclaimed album Gift. The single "Hell Above Water" has gained the highest public profile as a result of its use in trailers for the 2002 film Spider-Man and the 2008 film Iron Man.
Their final album was 2002's The New Adventures of Curve, released only over the internet. In 2004 The Way of Curve, a best-of compilation was released, featuring their most popular songs and singles, as well as rare B-sides and fan favorites. Halliday announced on their official web site in early 2005 that the group split again.
After the split, Toni Halliday started a solo project entitled Chatelaine and released the album Take a Line For a Walk in 2010.
Dean Garcia founded SPC ECO in 2007 with his daughter Rose Berlin on lead vocals, and guitarist Joey Levenson; and welcomed the addition of guitarist Perry Pelonero in 2011. Garcia is also currently a member of the bands The Black Holes (with Jo Neale; 2007-present), The Chronologic (2006-present), Inkraktare (with Mark Wallbridge aka Vasko The Pig; 2009-present), The Secret Meeting (with kaRIN and Statik of Collide; 2007-present), KGC (with Sascha Konietzko and Lucia Cifarelli of KMFDM; 2006-present) and Morpheme (with Perry Pelonero and Kim Welsh of Bliss.City.East, Skylight and Clenched Fist; 2010-present).
In 2011, SPC ECO released the Big Fat World EP; and the album You Tell Me which includes a track titled Let It Out -- an updated version of Curve's Something Familiar from the album Come Clean. Morpheme released their debut single INFECTION // SINGLE and the RED DOG EP; and Garcia released a solo album entitled How Do You Feel ?, with special guests Mark Wallbridge, Todd Astromass and Jeff Beck.
Official sites:
http://curve.co.uk
http://curve.bandcamp.com
http://on.fb.me/CurveOfficialManagedByDean
2. Starting in the early 2000's, Japanese curve was a two piece for much of their existence, only gaining a third member with their most recent album. They've also had quite a bit of exposure throughout the world, touring through Malysia/Singapore and appearing on a split in the USA.
Official Site
http://www.curve-official.com/
Gift
Curve Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Had no idea that we would ever fight,
As long as I could keep you in my sights,
You'd only glow and give off light.
I don't envy anything I've seen,
It's not a contest with you against me,
I only want you to let it out,
'Cause I need you to be,
I want you to feel free.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the gift that you're given,
And I'm the one to show it to you babe,
The one to show it to you babe.
How I long to take you in my arms,
And be a friend with style and charm,
I hope I make for your sake and mine,
The way it stands there isn't the time.
'Cause I want you to be,
Want you to see me.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the gift that you're given,
And I'm the one to show it to you babe.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the gift that you're given,
And I'm the one to show it to you babe,
The one to show it to you babe.
Do it to please me. (x4)
'Cause I need you to be,
I want you, want you.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the gift that you're given,
And I'm the one to show it to you.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the gift that you're given,
And I'm the one to show it to you babe,
The one to show it to you babe.
I want you,
I want you,
I'm the one to show it to you babe,
I'm the one to show it to you babe.
I want you,
I want you,
I'm the one to show it to you babe,
I'm the one to show it to you babe.
The lyrics to Curve's song Gift are about wanting someone to be their true self and to let go of any inhibitions or fears that may be holding them back. The singer of the song always believed that they knew this person well, but they are surprised when they identify conflict in their relationship. However, their love for this person remains strong and they are urging them to open up and express themselves fully, even if it means risking an uncertain future. They want this person to know that they are there to support them and show them the way.
The lyrics are supported by a driving beat and distorted guitar riffs, which give a sense of urgency and passion. The repetition of the line "It's the gift that you're given, it's the hand that you're dealt" suggests that the person's identity and challenges are predetermined, but it is up to them to make the most of what life has given them. The singer wants to be the one to guide and support them on this journey, and they hope that this person will embrace their true self and find freedom in their own identity.
In conclusion, Gift is a song about encouraging someone to be their true self, and to take risks in order to live life to the fullest. It speaks to the power of love and support in helping individuals to overcome their fears and embrace their full potential.
Line by Line Meaning
I always thought I knew what you were like,
I used to have a preconceived notion of who you are.
Had no idea that we would ever fight,
I never expected to argue with you.
As long as I could keep you in my sights,
As long as I could keep a close eye on you.
You'd only glow and give off light.
You would only radiate positive energy.
I don't envy anything I've seen,
I don't wish I had what you have.
It's not a contest with you against me,
This is not a competition between us.
I only want you to let it out,
I just want you to express yourself.
So come on baby put it about.
So please, just show me your true self.
'Cause I need you to be,
Because I require you to be.
I want you to feel free.
I want you to feel liberated.
It's the gift that you're given,
It's the talent that you possess.
It's the hand that you're dealt,
It's the situation you were born into.
And I'm the one to show it to you babe,
And I'm the person who can help you realize your potential.
How I long to take you in my arms,
I yearn to embrace you warmly.
And be a friend with style and charm,
And be a charismatic and charming friend.
I hope I make for your sake and mine,
I hope that my actions benefit both of us.
The way it stands there isn't the time.
The situation is not yet right for that.
'Cause I want you to be,
Because I desire for you to be.
Want you to see me.
I want you to look at me and see who I truly am.
Do it to please me. (x4)
Do it for my sake.
'Cause I need you to be,
Because I require you to be.
I want you, want you.
I really desire your presence in my life.
I'm the one to show it to you babe,
I am the one who can help you realize your potential.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL WELLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DWard-zr2xx
Toni is one of the most underrated singers...Dean is an amazing producer also! Coolest duo ever! Bren a fan since the hit the scene in early 90's!
@mariechelle
Hell yes
@dapenguin2
Curve always open their albums with everything they've got and I love it. Hell Above Water is crazy!
@tamanov
I found out about this band just few weeks ago. What I want to share with the world is - I love this band. I love their music. I love the voice of Toni Halliday - the Vocals Lyrics Production and getting things sorted. I just realised that I have one more dream in my life - I want to meet with Toni and sing something together - Beatles, U2, Frank Sinatra, Sting or why not the lovely song "Shallow". I am sure or at least I hope my son will become a fan of Curve (I will do my best). Thank you for what you have done during all these year guys and especially you - Toni Halliday!
@oldnsleepysmitty5503
Take a peek at SPC ECO. Another Dean Garcia project with his son and daughter.
@thebeandog
And I hope you've listened to Come Clean, which I think was their debut album. The ending 5 tracks are just amazing:
Forgotten Sanity hits hard, Come Clean is nearly pure punk rock, Cotton Candy is a neat mid energy but high tempo tracks that breaks excellently (LOVE IT), and Recover is, simply put, one of my favorite songs EVER; so very atmospheric with great layering in the production, great vocals and melody melded with steady pulsating guitar riffs. I LOVE their first album. Also, HAtW and Gift and My Tile White Floor off their sophomore album. :)
@pjpoll9207
I love this album so much. Really wish there could be a reissue of everything post 'Cuckoo'' as well.
@TheNaishproductions-tn3yb
Want more need less, deserves so much more exposure that it ever got. Killer tune.
@MrEdrazo
Perish is a classic.❤
@Integralas27
brilliant album...