With Anthems for Doomed Youth The Libertines have picked up almost
exactly where they left off 11 years ago with the self-titled sophomore
record. For Libertines fans, this
reunion record represents very few surprises, but no disappointments. The song writing quality is still there, as
is the fractious dynamic between Messrs Doherty and Barât. There is not much evolution to
the sound that was already in place, but I suspect that was never on the cards
here: what’s pleasing is that this isn’t phoned in. Songs like the soulful but twisted ‘Gunga
Din’, the frantic ‘Glasgow Coma Scale Blues’ and the two beautiful ballads on
the record (its best songs: ‘Dead for Love’ and ‘You’re My Waterloo’) are all
undoubtedly as good as anything on either of the first two records. If you liked them last time, you’ll be so
glad they’re back; if not, then you’ll want them to go away again.
sample track: You're My Waterloo
sample track: You're My Waterloo
