In 2002, The Libertines brought a breath of fresh air to the British pop scene, with Pete Doherty and Carl Barât quickly recognized as the quintessential songwriting duo, the kind history has only produced a few times. The success of “Up the Bracket”, produced by former Clash guitarist Mick Jones, was a seismic event, one their friendship struggled to withstand. The band broke up after the chaotic recording of their second album, reuniting sporadically throughout the 2010s.
Released last year, “All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade” is a masterclass in songwriting, recapturing the group’s melodic flair while offering a calmer, sunnier portrait of the band today.