Eclectic, Minstrel, poet, folky chancer, Whats undeniable is Peter Doherty is a busy boy and a Rock n Roll Lifer. Writing and recording his brand new solo album on the tail of a superb run of shows with his day job co-piloting The Libertines, and off the back of an excellent album from them. This, however, is Peter Doherty, so expect the unexpected. His last foray minus Barat and co was a very gentle affair with Frédéric Lo, a more gentle and wistful string to his bow. Whilst this is more of the same in its eclectic nature, going with the flow and where the melody takes him it is however less dreamy and more gypsy rock n roll with big strumming acoustic guitars and accompanying drums adding a vibrant slice of Rock n Roll whilst the lyrics add texture and depth alongside the well placed strings and vocals. Doherty has assembled a fine set of songs that travel on the breeze and wherever he damned well feels like going.
Like shifting sands on a shoreline line the moods drift in and out, but the overall atmosphere of the record is one of contentment and joy with one’s lot. It seems Doherty is in a great place, and it’s brought the best out of him with his excellent lyrics and arrangements.
The album eases the listener in with ‘Calvados’ an acoustic countrified workout painting pictures with a sweet melody. When the band rolls in, we can begin. To take the theme on further and explore, Doherty starts ‘Pot Of Gold’ with some lush strings before the familiar easy listening drawl wheezes in on a great single and accompanying video. You’d like to think the recording is as loose as the song suggests, but it probably isn’t, and it’s a skill Peter has mastered to perfection and making his unique style very listenable.
Like a modern punk rock pirate who landed in the midst of a britpop groundswell Peter Doherty has never followed trends and always remained an outsider kicking against the pricks and surviving like a magpie lifting lyrics from all corners of the musical landscape but always crafting them into a sound that is unmistakable, a rare talent in these times.
The album flirts and flutters from ramshackle late-night stories like ‘The Baron’s Claw’ to the interesting mysterious flavours like ‘Stade Ocean’ and my pick of the album ‘Poca Mahoney’s’ featuring an excellent vocal from Lisa O Neill with its rough saw guitar pulling at your ears and when it gathers pace its really rolling could have been a minute or two longer to be fair.
‘Fingee’ sounds like Peter playing with the listener before the circus arrives for ‘Pretre De La Mer’ with so much going on it reminds me of the excellent Urban Voodoo Machine (now that would be some tour) before the record closes with ‘Empty Room’ an acoustic jaunt that sounds like a one take warts n all sign off on what has been a most excellent meandering joyful trip around the head of Peter Doherty as he empties all his musical thoughts for our listening pleasure and take it or leave it I doubt he gives one shiney shite, because he as I do know that he gives his all and its generally far better than most other musicians anyway be it ramshackle rock n roll or folk or blues or chamber strings and bodrans it matters not. It most certainly feels better alive, and my advice after several plays of this wonderful record would be – Buy it! it’s not something you’ll regret and if it is who cares its only rock n roll but with a fairer gentler hand and headful of poems.
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