Up the Bracket

by

The Libertines

Edit

Like everyone else, I've heard all the comparisions, all the hype, and definitely all of the vaulted expectations for this band long before "Up The Bracket" had a release date.

I'm here to put your worries to rest folks. This indeed, is a great record. Oh yes, they sound like The Jam one minute, Madness the next and sometimes even The Clash too, but don't let that make you put this album back on the shelf. There is enough depth, talent and fun to rise far above the imitations.

"Up The Bracket" is filled with your classic Brit-punk single fare. Time For Heroes, What A Waster and Boys In The Band, all fit this bill to a "t." Every song is well written with great, sing-a-long pop melodies and a touch of punk angst and matching tempo thrown in for good measure. I also love tunes like Vertigo and Death On The Stairs for their Smiths-like musings. Somehow, the band bring all these influences and attitudes together throughout the entire record with some help from great production, or lack there-of. It's this production (coming from Mick Jones of The Clash) that has enough attitude and raw energy to fill a Sex Pistol yacht party. Making "Up The Bracket" the latest great link in the Brit-Rock chain.