Two girls in short skirts and go-go boots, two guys in suits, garage rock with reverb, surfy wiggle, and “that keyboard sound.” Produced by Jim Diamond.
From New Zealand, art punk, noisy yet danceable, a trio, fronted by a dude, even though it sounds like a girl freakin’ out. Recorded and mixed by Steve Albini.
With drug-addled Pete Doherty removed, Libertines’ clever guitarist turned frontman Carl Barat and drummer Gary Powell form a thrilling, stable compound.
If you can swallow their cheerleader stage banter and their lowest common denominator lyrics, you get the payoff of a decent, politically-charged punk record.
Building off early Bad Religion, Descendents, and Lemonheads punkish pop tunes, this record boasts a refined production without sacrificing the raw energy.