ALBUM REVIEW: THE LIBERTINES

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OF DOOMED YOUTH’
RELEASED SEPTEMBER 2015, VIRGIN EMI

After The Libertines de-banded in 2004 it looked like it was literally all over for the London four piece fronted by duo Pete Doherty and Carl Barat, but eleven years later and after reunion gigs at Reading Festival and Hyde Park, the news of the good ship Arcadia setting sail again got us VERY excited. ‘Anthems for Doomed Youth’ picks up from where ‘The Libertines’ left off with tales of nights in Camden’s famous high street and whilst some of the lyrics look back on their demise the album generally looks to the future of the band.

The album is made up of previously recorded material from the bands ‘Legs 11’ era including piano ballad ‘You’re My Waterloo’ and ‘Lust of The Libertines’, which have been refined and brought back to life by producer Jake Gosling after just being unreleased and rough around the edge demos. First single ‘Gunga Din’ has a distinct reggae and ska influence whilst ‘Heart Of The Matter’ rattles along like an early Babyshambles track.

‘Anthems of Doomed Youth’ serves to emphasise the fact that this comeback album will bring more joy to the fans than any of the less convinced may suspect. For how long The Libertines will last this time around, no one knows but let’s all enjoy it whilst we can.