New Cure album

The Cure are aiming to finish writing their 14th studio album by Christmas.

Singer Robert Smith said he was finding it hard to write lyrics to the songs the band had already written, but was eager to finish in time for their spring tour.

"I want the words to mean something, it's not enough that they rhyme," said 47-year-old Smith. "I find myself stopping short and thinking I've done this before, and better. I've given myself a deadline to finish the words before Christmas. If I don't I should be shot."