UP THE BRACKET

Description

Like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Strokes, and The Hives, The Libertines are a group of dandies playing unadorned, high-energy rock and roll. 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 past energy of the Sex Pistols and the affected nonchalance of The Kinks as a rearview mirror target, The Libertines' music retains both the nostalgic charm of old times and the exhilarating flavor of novelty. At times, one might hear Ray Davies' nasal voice ("Up the Bracket," "I Get Along") or Johnny Marr's nervous rhythm ("Death of the Stairs"), but that would be to forget that the quality and superb melodies of their songs are uniquely their own. The London band's debut album reached the top 50 of the British charts upon its release in 2002, marking the beginning of a revival for the entire rock scene in the UK.