The Fourth Libertines album has been on some journey. After being put back for one reason or another the release is finally upon us. All the anticipation and build-up has been an age but that wait is over and ‘All Is Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’ is with us, and if it could be summed up in one sentence (Which it can’t) it is fair to say its the most Libertines album you could wish for in 2024 – predictable yet unpredictable it weaves a rich tapestry as the band deliver what might well turn out to be a career highlight.

After a short run of tiny club dates to wet the appetite of the salivating masses the album kicks off in true swaggering ragged glory with the albums lead single ‘Run Run Run’ but that is only the start of it. Buckle up kids this is one hell of an album and as the band open up the ragged ‘Mustang’ as they go through the gears they enter cruise control for the Carl-led song that is masterfully captured on wax, this truly sounds like the band has managed to bottle that spirit and jour de vivre and give it a sound as they weave their merry melodies.

‘Have A Friend’ is Docherty rattling off the vocals, but it’s the energy they’ve captured here from the tight rhythm to the heartfelt lyrics that fall from his mouth – it’s pure audio joy before the relaxed and trippy ‘Merry Old England’ enters the ether. With a slightly dreamy tempo and piano leading the way it’s like a mature (should I call it that?) trip with the solid beat as Pete tackles how people coming to this island might view this land and a song of hope that the real beating heart of a country is still welcoming and hospitable and a place where people can come and make it their own adding to its rich tapestry wherever they come from and its all wrapped up in a very busy arrangement from the backing vocals to the lush string in its undertow. great song.

‘Man With A Melody’ is the record’s first ballad-like track. With its pace slowed right down and the vocals intertwined perfectly as the song unfolds having all voices heard on the twisting vision of a busker (Carls Words) but possibly the most un Libertines track on offer here showing you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks.

Back on brand ‘Oh Shit’ is a blast, shaking off any cobwebs and sure to be a live favourite. On offer with this new album is essentially eleven songs that weave their merry way via uptempo rockers and the slower more thoughtful songs as well as the more jazzy ragged numbers such as the gentle ‘Barons Claw’ as its loose barroom number complete with jazzy trumpet and piano tinkling and hushed late-night vocals.

The second side of the record is certainly a more varied ensemble of tunes than the opening side as the Libertines spread their wings. ‘Shiver’ sounds like Pete opening another chapter of his soul then ‘Be Young’ picks up the pace as Carl spits out the lyrics the energy of the verses then a handbreak turn on the chorus before the bridge of a reggaefied verse before tearing up the solo. An excellent song which only leaves the final thoughtful ‘Songs They Never Play On The Radio’ as the band gently signs off a rather splendid album that twists and turns and draws out the best this band can offer which is so identifiable and original without being original and delivering an album that will be tough to ignore. Exactly the album you want from these four reliable, adventurous, unpredictable but thoroughly excellent – A massive big up The Libertines and ‘Alls Quiet’ their perfect album for this moment in time. A band that it would seem to have found peace with who they are and how and where they fit in, and a sort of maturity (Libertines and maturity? Never) to change it up yet still be those lads full of piss and vinegar who know how to deliver their craft better than pretty much everyone else out of their genre. ‘All Quiet On The Easter Esplanade’ will prove to be a bit of a masterpiece, mark my words – Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley