ALBUM OF THE WEEK
After nine years away, the fact that Placebo’s eighth album is immediately and continuously recognisable as them should please their massive worldwide fanbase. Brian Molko’s metallic guitars and insectile whine coupled with Stefan Olsdal’s anchor-drop bass with an assortment of percussionists have sustained them for over 25 years. Age though has mellowed them considerably; there is nothing as ferocious here as early classics Nancy Boy or Bruise Pristine. However The Prodigal recalls their Nineties hit Every You Every Me. Their knack for marrying hookladen melodies to dark lyrics is again evident on Surrounded By Spies and particularly Try Better Next Time where Molko, 49, sings, ‘So you know me, understand me, is that what you think? You haven’t met the monster who wakes up when I drink’. The album’s highlight Beautiful James works as either a song for a sleeping child or slumbering lover. Placebo’s fanbase will rejoice at their return but it might not markedly increase.