The standard second album review consists of many cliché comparisons of new and old, what’s different and whether we like that change. It can become monotonous and therefore I try to steer clear of such trends. However, put Carl Barat in someone’s mind and immediately you jump to his media-hyped relationship with wild rover Pete and all that it entails.

So lets get it over with and then look at the music. Firstly, Carl has a new band that are as close as family, Pete isn’t quite so committed. Carls’ band are producing some sharp music where as Babyshambles are a little rougher in their sound. Neither sound identical to The Libertines, but both are always going to have reminiscent links and produce songs that you would chop off your left ear to have both of them feature in (ironically, on this album- ‘Blood On My Shoes’).

There. Job done.

So, Romance At Short Notice. What leaps out at you once all twelve tracks have played landed on your remaining right ear, is that this is made of softer stuff compared to Waterloo To Anywhere, that holds its’ jagged guitar and scraped, gravel vocals. Mostly. If you had only listened to the first two tracks, you would think I was daft. ‘Buzzards And Crows’ and ‘Hippy’s Son’ have an edge. The former even more so with its’ fairground organ backing. But as the album continues, the instrumental tone settles down and has visitors of lyrics and tempo that drop in every now and then.

The central insertion of love ballads ‘Come Closer’ and ‘Faultlines’ distinguishes Carl’s talent to write lyrics that bear some meaning even though their backing is an echo of a lot of bands on the planet.
The latter half of the album picks up its beat again to push forward the music into slamming guitar riffs, battles between cymbal tapping and big bass drum beats, accompanied by rough throat finishes to every line. ‘Best Face’ is the best compilation of these factors, with the addition of dirty lyrics- ‘is that your fucking swan song’ ploughed into the chorus makes it what so many would be looking for- rebelling against the man.

I’ve always felt that the Dirty Pretty Things are a band that should come round your house and play live if you’re going to get the best from them. Having heard half of the album recently on their current tour, I couldn’t agree with myself more. Nevertheless this album is damn good even when played through the humble stereo. So however much you want the two boys to make up and be friends, having the instant result of reformation of The Libertines, this isn’t too far off making the grade.
84%

Links
Dirty Pretty Things [myspace]