‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ sees Peter Doherty twist a melancholic turn down a path this time without his puta madres or his comrades in The Libertines but with Frédéric Lo as his companion and songwriting partner in crime. Doherty has been rather prolific over the last half-decade finding time to get hitched wander off on several tours with his various projects but above all, he’s managed to weave several different paths but remains very Peter Doherty if you catch my drift? Much like Strummer Doherty does what he wants when he wants and as long as the end result is of a suitably high standard then play on sir. Don’t write him off as a one-trick pony because he’ll rise to that challenge and keep on keeping on defying the odds. Tune in, switch off and float downstream as the majestic relaxed opener and title track sets the tone as the pair make sweet sweet music.

Doherty’s street poetry and lyrical meanderings are on the money as the dreamy ‘The Epidemiolagist’ is the wonderful sound of a hazy dash around some sleepy Parisian backstreets as the filter of the strings lifting you above the haze is majestic.

Written during lockdowns and produced by Frédéric Lo ‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ was recorded at Cateuil in Étretat (Normandy) and Studio Water Music in Paris and mixed by François Delabrière at Studio Moderne, Paris. All words are penned by the seemingly content Doherty whilst the music composed by Lo.

‘The Ballad Of…’ is lush in its string brush strokes and simple acoustic guitar strumming and Doherty’s hushed vocals are reassuring and comforting and reminiscent of Johnny Thunders ‘Hurt Me’ album with grander layers as it builds when the drums kick in but it lays back down gently in a very engaging manner.

The first video is for ‘You Can’t Keep It From Me Forever’ is probably the album’s most Doherty tune (if that makes sense) with a Smiths-like melody and uptempo poptastic beat. This record is like a huge sigh after a hard stressful day. It’s a gentle loving hand on the shoulder, reassuring you that everything will be alright.

The fact this record came together in six months is reflected in the uncomplicated arrangements. Sure there are strings and grande sweeping soundscapes but it doesn’t sound forced at all and very natural. The sweeping strings on ‘The Monster’ sound fantastic and Doherty’s vocals have never sounded so content and strong. He knows how to add enough emotion and where to display vulnerability and married with the talent of Lo’s arrangments make this a must-own record and loyal Doherty fans will love what they hear from one of the UK’s best indie songwriters.

when the duo keep it simple and just write a pop song like ‘Invictus’ then they nail it, what else did you expect? The Harpsichord on ‘The Glassblower’ is exactly what’s needed even though you couldn’t have guessed it. The 60’s alternative guitar-driven pop is relaxing yet exciting all at once. Then finally ending the album with the piano-led ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’ strangely reminds me of Dean Friedman and some New York late-night smokey jazz club from the late 70s and putting a full stop on a wonderful album of heartfelt and life-affirming tunes from an extremely talented pair of contemporary musicians right at the top of their game. ‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ is exactly what I needed to hear right here right now. Join me and let’s drift downstream with this as the soundtrack to better days.

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Author: Dom Daley

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