- Label
- Regal
- Release date
- 1st October 2007
- Genre
- Rock
- Buy this album
- Order CD
Nation’s favourite indie rockers return with nicely-delivered, if regrettably naive, narratives
Tabloid dream Pete Doherty and his merry band of misfits have taken a little time out from exploring the realms of various senses to settle back into the studio; the result continues trying to define a fictional notion of England with musical influences again taken from the likes of The Clash, The Cure, and even old Britpop (thanks, perhaps, to the presence of Stephen Street as producer).
These songs reflect various homages and the talent on display; old fans of the band will delight in UnBilo Titled’s blend of balladry and lyrical bile, indie radio stations will adore Crumb Begging Baghead and Delivery’s catchy hooks and choruses. The usual crop of digs, hat-tips and nudges abound, and a rich vein of creativity and poetry runs through just about every song. Sadly, the struggle to say something meaningful sometimes outweighs the need to make sense, and the shoehorned cultural references cripple some otherwise great songs. Were its aspirations not so high, this wouldn’t matter, but as it is an air of amateurish theatrics sadly puts a big dent in the side of what could have been a truly interesting album.
More to try: The Clash – Sandinista! The Cure – Disintegration Blur – Modern Life Is Rubbish
