Given the errant antics of The Libertines' singer/guitarist Pete Doherty, the question everyone is asking about the band's second album is, 'Can it make people forget, for a moment, all the negative newspaper headlines that have engulfed the band during the last year?' The answer, happily, is yes.

Every member of the band puts in a sterling performance here – just listen to the thrilling opening track, ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’, the album’s lead single and bona fide pop classic. Doherty and Carl Barat trade bitter lines over a powerhouse performance from drummer Gary Powell and bassist John Hassall, pushed somewhat further forward on this LP due to the wonderful echoey production from former Clash guitarist Mick Jones.

A sense of improvisation and vitality pervades this record, from the ad hoc comments to the wonderfully shambolic soloing on the likes of ‘Road To Ruin’, Barat’s plea for Doherty to “Trust in me, take me by the hand”. Perhaps, though, this album’s greatest triumph is that it forges ahead in expanding the Libertines’ established sound.

On the first listen, this album can seem a little gloomy, due to the downbeat lyrics and occasionally despairing tone. But after repeated exposure the details become clear, the way that ‘The Ha Ha Wall’ slips into a clamouring web of pianos and bizarre noises in its middle section, and Barat’s abandoned screaming during 73-second punk interval ‘Arbeit Macht Frei’. The sad fact is that for all this album’s classic rock brilliance, it could well be The Libertines’ swansong, given that Barat shows no signs of allowing Doherty to rejoin the band. However, closing track ‘What Became of the Likely Lads?’ offers a crumb of hope, both front men pulling together for an impassioned finale.

“Blood runs thicker, oh we’re thick as thieves you know”, they shout, before Barat snaps, “If that’s important to you”, Doherty practically whimpering in reply “Yes, it's important to me”. It’s a thrilling moment, and underlines the brutal honesty of this record. Everything is laid bare. This album isn't polished pop perfection, but that’s not what The Libertines are about.

However, if you’re after something live and exciting, then you’ll enjoy this unique, captivating album. Review by Richard Blackledge.

Recommended Links:
http://www.thelibertines.org.uk – The official Libertines website

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