Babyshambles - Sequel to the Prequel

A little under six years ago Babyshambles released their second studio album “Shotter’s Nation” to favourable reviews, over these past six years we've had Pete Doherty’s imprisonment, a solo album, a few gigs and other members side projects. Earlier the Shambles blasted back onto the scene announcing a UK tour and a new album, they’re back with Stereophonics drummer Jamie Morrison replacing Adam Ficek who left the band to continue with his solo project “Roses Kings Castles”.

The album opens with a great lead guitar piece from Mick Whitnall and Doherty almost shouting in his lyrics to Fireman, a great track to start the album on showing they’re on top form from the get go. Following is Nothing Comes To Nothing, the single preceding the album is a classic Babyshambles track, a cheery sound through the band’s instrumentals with subtle but heart-breaking lyricism from Mr Doherty.  New pair follows this, starting off with a charming acoustic sound the track has a certain Albion feel to it and strangely a Blur feel to it, this could be down to producer Stephen Street’s input which is plain to see throughout the track. Following up is Farmers Daughter, a track which was also released prior to the album, the song features a stunning instrumental introduction which is followed by Pete’s amazingly personal lyrics, it may have just been wishful thinking but I heard little nods to previous work throughout. Fall From Grace could not be a more aptly titled song by the band, everyone has heard about Pete’s long fought battle with addiction. The song displays a love hate relationship with the music industry and fame in general, with the line “we don’t need to go into what you think you know”, clearly stating his well-publicised problems. This is my personal favourite track from the album and my favourite from Doherty for quite a while, it’s got a message and a fantastic sound that I've missed.

The album moves on to Maybelline, opening with a rocky sound reminiscent of their work on Shotter’s Nation. The song to me sounds like Pete pouring his heart out about the broken relationship between himself and Carl Barat, his former Libertines band mate. Sequel to the Prequel is next up, the title track begins distorted leading into a jolly and upbeat vocal and instrumental piece, with its old fashioned sound and the addition of piano the track shines amongst the others. The next track is a slight lull for me, Dr. No is one of the more forgettable songs on the album, while it gets catchy as it progresses it still feels a little weak in comparison to the others. Penguins is another high point of the album, it’s an emotional cry, a calm sound with short bursts throughout the song. The song’s story is clear, the woman Pete is singing to is clearing taken by someone else and he’s having a hard time dealing with it leading to outbursts. Despite being released prior to the album Picture Me in a Hospital is another weak point of the album, it’s an upbeat track about Pete being hospitalized, the message seemingly that as soon as someone is ill all their previous sins are forgiven. Seven Shades is the penultimate track of the album, to me it’s like a fight between Doherty and his own psyche, it’s another great moment of the album, it’s upbeat with a message only Doherty could deliver. The final track of the album, Minefield is an angry and angst ridden song, soulful and beautiful throughout and a fantastic way to draw the album to a close. With a kind of sprawling sound the song makes the Babyshambles memories pour back giving it a massively classic feel.

The album as a whole works amazingly, each track blends into the next with grace and sophistication making an amazing listener experience. If this was to be the end of Babyshambles, which I pray it’s not they couldn't have left us with a better legacy.