In 2009 we said 'hello', to the brave and beautiful singer-songwriter who
had finally settled down from the scrutiny of public perception. Pete Doherty
released his solo album Grace / Wastelands to a more than welcoming
audience of Sunday newspapers, post-Libertines, and post-post-Libertines fans.
Babyshambles split audiences and continue to baffle Doherty lovers and Carl
Barat followers. With Barat's own project kicking steadily with Dirty Pretty
Things, Doherty was left with the task almost expected of him, fronting his own
band with a personal touch rather than the grit and sometimes glamour The
Libertines still bring to our ears.
After releasing two albums, Down In Albion in 2005 and Shotter's
Nation in 2007, the band almost disappeared. The former is a spectacular
follow-up to Doherty's broken heart fallout from The Libertines and an ode to
silly ole' England with the standout track "Albion". Going one step further
with Shotter's Nation's singles "Delivery", "Carry On Up
The Morning", and "Delivery". Doherty progresses through his
musical career with sheer poetic lyricism to match his almost certain lead / rhythm
guitar mixtures. It's what made The Libertines so likable, yet the route
Doherty is taking the third Babyshambles album Sequel To The Prequel seems
somewhat jaded.
"Nothing Comes To Nothing" doesn’t have that key lead guitar riff
that sets "Fuck Forever" apart from The Futureheads. Babyshambles
modern indie rock in the noughties has become something of a rock and roll.
americana mess. Doherty is at the heart on the chorus, groaning and moans as
usual, but without the clarity and genius that he usually spouts. This track
just waffles on for over three minutes, showcasing little talent we know the
four-piece poses. Band members have changed since 2007, but producer Stephen
Street has stayed put. This almost sounds like a completely differed Doherty
project rather than continuing Babyshambles. Sharp tracks like
"Killamangiro" and "Delivery" completely outweigh this
mundane comeback single Doherty assures is 'not a comeback'.
Sequel To The Prequel will be released in September, a good six years
since Shotter's Nation. Doherty shouldn’t be surprised to see the
britpop/indie rock audience of 2000 - 2008 fail to accept, nor appreciate
Babyshambles third album in a decade. Based on "Nothing Comes To
Nothing", I’m not exactly excited with this upcoming release. Nowadays
Doherty just sounds too noughties for my liking, with Babyshambles sounding too
aged, too mediocre and far too ordinary for a 2013 market.
~Eddie
