UP THE BRACKET

Description

Like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, the Strokes or the Hives, the Libertines are a band of dandies playing no-frills rock and roll that really moves. Some even say that this quartet, whose first single was produced by former Suede guitarist Bernard Butler, is the British answer to the media buzz surrounding the Strokes in 2001. With the energy once unleashed by the Sex Pistols and the affected nonchalance of the Kinks in its rearview mirror, the Libertines’ music retains both the nostalgic charm of bygone days and the delightful flavor of being first. At times, one thinks one can hear here and there the nasal voice of Ray Davies ("Up the Bracket", "I Get Along") or the nervous rhythm of Johnny Marr ("Death of the Stairs"), but that would be to forget that the quality and superb melodies of their songs belong to them alone. The London band’s debut album reached the UK top 50 upon its release in 2002, marking the beginning of a revival for the entire rock scene in the United Kingdom.