Babyshambles - FuckForever

Fri 2nd Sep, 2005 in Music Reviews

A lot has been written about Peter Doherty lately but most of it has nothing to do with his music. With the release of Babyshambles second single Fuck Forever, we are given the chance to focus our attention back on what Pete does best -write punk-rock tunes.

The title track is as chaotic and anarchic as its name suggests. Dipping in and out of darkness, Fuck Forever is a big ball of messy sounds and distorted noise that is occasionally overridden by a catchy riff and infectious chorus. The lyrics echo the sentiment of a generation who has lost its faith in politics and the notion of normality

“How d’you choose between death and glory?
Between New Labour & Tory
Purgatory and happy families
One of the same.”

Despite the mess, it sticks around in your head long after you’ve listened to it which usually either means it’s a an irritating track or a good one. I’m barracking for the later. The EP continues on it’s raw and dirty journey with Doherty spluttering and mumbling along the way. Blackboy Lane is a nice melodic tune made heavier by the desperate lyrics

“There’s a bullet there with my name
Will I ever find my way?”
 
The last two tracks Monkey Casino is a bunch of gritty, distorted sounds that fail to develop into any kind of tune. East of Eden is more of the same; both would be lucky to get a spot on the MP3 player. One thing this disc does indicate is that Babyshambles are open to greater influences and are not simply a re-incarnation of The Libertines, Doherty’s previous band. If Pete can stay out of trouble and the tabloids long enough and give his full attention to the band, the possibilities are quite exciting. C’mon Pete!