While reviewing the first single from the new album by The Libertines, Justin Hawkins ponders if the band has moved into legendary status. With a 20+ year recording career but only 4 group albums, sometimes the band is more myth than legend but “Run Run Run” is a perfect beginning to All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade. “It’s a life long project of a life on the lash” as the band incites excitement with sped up drums and handclaps.
The main duo of Carl Barat and Pete Doherty have not lost their way with words. On a song about immigration, Doherty sings of England and its “chalk cliffs, once white, they’re greying in the sodium light”. “I Have A Friend” includes the line “the tears fall like bombs without warning” on a song based on Russia’s attack on the Ukraine. “Songs They Never Play On The Radio” is a track for the end of a pub night, with the lads hoisting pints with arms around each other.
The Libertines manage to work in lore about the band with talk of Arcadia and the Albion Rooms. Several of the tracks are dark and moody, and feel like they are from a different time entirely. “Shiver” is a highlight that speaks of Queen Elizabeth’s death and watching the dying empire fade away. Before long they shift gears again to have bit of a knees up with “Oh Shit” that is all riffs and sing along choruses. It’s nice having the band in full run again as they settle into being a fine middle aged UK rock band.
7.5/10
The Light Appears 
I feel like I know of the Libertines but couldn’t think up any of their songs. Maybe I read about them recently. At any rate, I enjoyed this post and the history you’ve shared, Michael. And the featured song and video are superb; the filming and editing are top notch, creating the urgency to “run run run!” The taxi driver looks far too healthy despite all his depicted habits!
Thanks for introducing me to this song… I will have to check out more of the album and their back-catalogue.
Also.. a clever album title!