What Became of the Likely Lads?

The Libertines, echoed those famous words in 2004, in the midst of chaos, addiction, and it soundtracked the end of one of Britain’s most promising bands.

Just over a decade later the band reunited and headed into the studio to release the long awaited third album. “Anthems for Doomed Youth” and this year 20 years after the self titled second album, the band released album number four. “All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade.”

This is the sound of The Libertines. In a much more grown up, and mature way. And they sound better for it. Those looking for snarling attacks of ‘Horror Show’ and ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ will not find it here’. However what they will find is that classic Libertines DNA with a modern feel. Gone is the tabloid chaos, and controversy. Instead replaced with a beautiful gang mentality and some of the best songs they’ve written in years.

Opening with “Run, Run, Run” a classic Libertines song that sees them blitz through memory lane, without wanting to look back. This opens the door to the new Libertines. Acknowledging the good, and bad bits of there journey to where they’ve got to, today. It’s the sound of Carl, Pete, John and Gary having a blast again. No longer worried about the fallout that may have occurred in the past. With a huge chorus and some brilliant lyrics that are definitely autobiographical. Not definitive about one person, but more about the band as a whole. Fans should be impressed.

The albums singles all have had a different feel. From the stomping opener of “Run, Run, Run.” To the more wistful letter to refuges “Merry Old England” complete with its string backing. 20 years ago the band would have tackled this subject in a rather different way. Lyrically this song is one of the albums strongest. It’s a really mature song, for a band that maybe haven’t always known the meaning of that word. “I Have A Friend” sees The Libs write about, the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Holding out an olive branch to those affected. With some of the hardest hitting lyrics on the record. “The tears like the bombs, fall without warning.” And “Follow the tracks in the mud to where the sea is black with blood.” It’s a beautiful piece of music, and is a really standout of a very good record. 

“Night of the Hunter” is one of the most diverse tracks on the album, and one of the best songs Pete Doherty has ever written. A story about a violent revenge. That sees the band take influence from Blur, to Swan Lake. A string filled acoustic affair, that is the band at their most atmospheric. It’s easy to see why the band chose it as one of the albums singles.

“Shiver” another of the records singles, is classic Libertines. That sees both Doherty and Barat take vocal duties. With references to the “Albion” and “Arcadia” it’s one for the fans, a tale of fallen kings and empires. It’s The Libertines doing what they do best. 

All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, is the best The Libertines have been for 20 years. It’s a more grown up and safer affair, but the band sounds better for it.

A band that have tackled so much, from addictions, breakups, tabloid controversy. Have reconvened and made some of the best music they have ever made.

The albums final song “Song’s they Never Play on the Radio” is a song originally written in 2006 and finished for All Quiet, is one of the best things the bands have ever written. It seems to be a beautiful metaphor for the band and a snapshot of why this album is so great. Showing the bands friendship blossoming, some of the best lyrics they have ever put on record, Carl and Pete’s vocals blossoming.

So what happened to the likely lads? Well they calmed down, and made arguably their best record yet. They deserve their time in the sun. Never afraid to look forward but also not forgetting what made them great.