FOR 11 long and arduous years, the world’s music fans have awaited the first semblance of new material from The Libertines. Having previously reunited for live shows but not finding the wherewithal to head back into the studio, the band finally got back into the right head-space to write and record new material. The question on the tip of everyone’s tongue is of course, ‘will the intangible magic that Pete and Carl managed to summon still be within them?
The answer is yes.
Exploding into life with the kind of reggae tinged riff that formed some of Babyshambles’ strongest material, ‘Gunga Din’ lurches forward from the outset in a charismatic fashion. Sounding more cohesive than some of Pete’s other forays into the genre, it has an air of the masterful fusion of punk and reggae that The Clash accomplished on tracks such as ‘Pressure Drop’ and ‘Armigideon Time.’ Perhaps less discordant and more mature than what The Libertines previously exuded, it sounds every bit as though it is a necessary step in their evolution as musicians. Pete and Carl trade verses in their typically enigmatic way, before the track’s climax sees Doherty revive the brashness of Up The Bracket’s finest tracks.
Their forthcoming new record Anthems For Doomed Youth will emerge on the 4th September 2015; whilst those looking to catch the band live can do so at a number of festivals including next week’s T in the Park at Strathallan Castle.
Watch the video below:
