The Libertines
Anthem’s For Doomed Youth
Anthem’s For Doomed Youth
All the way back to their heyday, The Libertines have
provided a strong sense of belonging to many people. Making them feel part of
something. Their first two albums were chaotic and full of energy and were part
of many sixth formers CD collection. Fast forward eleven years and after
reuniting for good in Thailand sending fans in to a frenzy across Britain, The
four-piece now older and wiser had returned against all the odds to set about
writing the long awaited follow up to 2004’s ‘The Libertines’.
Unlike their first two albums, Anthems For Doomed Youth is a
very clean album. Thanks in part to producer Jake Gosling who has allowed
bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell presence on the album. Lyrically
Pete Doherty and Carl Barat do what they have always done since the early days.
Constructing each song with emotional narrative as in the title track "You told the governor's wife about the last
night of his life / She turned away in tears called you a liar / Where are all
the old dreams now? The battalions once so proud? / Lost in some old song and
hanging on the old barbed wire." The album does everything The Libertines
did so well, proving that there is still life in the old formula.
Where the album lacks a bit
of punch is within that statement itself. It lacks power. The first two albums
were recorded with no hinges at all. They were exciting. Anthems For Doomed
Youth’s opening few tracks feel a little lethargic and clean. Something which
fans of the band may not have been expecting, “Fame And Fortune” however, packs
a punch. Barat’s vocal is crisp and sharp which mimics the guitar tone. The
bass and drums fit together perfectly too creating the first memorable moment
on the album thus far. “You’re My Waterloo” is a pure ballad re-recorded
strings and a piano and along with a superb vocal from Doherty is a real
tearjerker. Many fans suspect that this song is about co-songwriter Barat and
lines like “I’m so glad we know just what to do / And exactly who’s to blame /
You’re my Waterloo / I’ll be your Stanley Park” seem to suggest that it could
be, but theories aside, it’s one the albums most exquisite and best songs.
After this, Anthems For
Doomed Youth takes us back eleven years to those fuzzy and powerful sounds we
know to be The Libertines. “Heart of the Matter” and “Fury of Chonburi” pick up
where the likes of “What Became Of The Likely Lads” and “Can’t Stand Me Now”
left off and it creates a lovely sense of nostalgia which will bring joy to all
those fans who have been waiting for this album. Much like the band the band
themselves, Anthems For Doomed Youth is calmer, sure the songs will have huge
impact when played live but on record everything is soft but don’t let that put
you off.
7/10
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