The follow up to their debut album 'Up the Bracket' has been two years in the making.
The follow up to their debut album 'Up the Bracket' has been two years in the making. A lot can happen in such a short space of time, as we've witnessed with the Libertines being shrouded with as much intrigue and career defining moments most groups would do well carve out in their entire career.
The opening track “Can't Stand Me Now”, the first single from the album, dramatises the fall-outs and destructive influence of Pete Doherty and his songwriting partner Carl Barat. The harmonies are interrupted by the dialogue of continual arguments, as the distracting vocals perfectly capture Doherty's current status. The fragility of the music and despondency of the subject matter are perfect celebration of bedsit living in the modern day UK.
The next track “Last Post on the Bugle” is five different songs amalgamated into one, albeit in a messy, fragmented style. The track captures the best moments of their debut, with the production of The Clash's Mick Jones highlighted in a slice of sleazy pop, with echoed guitars and tales of drugs and rock n' roll excess.
It is perhaps the old favourites - songs written years ago - that set this album apart from other Brit contenders in rock n'roll music. In particular 'Music when the Lights go Out' with its Kinks-esque production style and the familiar subject matter of Barat and Doherty's tumultuous relationship - Doherty virtually pouring his heart out in the quest for forgiveness. It's clear that, when it comes to songwriting, they can't work with each other but equally can't be parted. The crowd favourite “What Became of the Likely Lads” closes the album and in every sense could well become the Libertines theme song if they are not too careful.
Despite the album's 14 tracks being perhaps three or four too long, this is a victory for Rock n'roll. If this record is to be the closing statement in their career it will be a glorious burnout.
~T.J. Hart8.
