Dirty Pretty Things - Waterloo to Anywhere

Dirty Pretty Things – Waterloo To Anywhere

Chris George

Two years after the Arcadian dream finally fell, you’ve got to wonder whether the legend of The Libertines will outlive their longevity – what’s the aftermath? The bassist’s band, Yeti, were conspicuous by their inconsequentiality; Babyshambles have become more famed for the controversy than the music; so that just leaves Dirty Pretty Things.

With Babyshambles, there was always the feeling of “Good song; would’ve been better with The Libertines.” Not so with Dirty Pretty Things: they’re a cohesive, intelligent, band, sure of themselves. From the punky “You Fucking Love It” to the stomping, T-Rex-esque “If You Love a Woman”, to the ska-beat “Gentry Cove” – DPT barely come up for breath, belting out some genuinely blinding indie gems. Every single one could be a dancefloor hit. They’re a tad samey in places, but they don’t bleed directly into one another like other, lacklustre bands.

It’s very much like Up The Bracket: it’s energetic, it’s witty and it’s instantly engaging. If you were hoping for a huge departure from The Libertines, you’ll be disappointed, but that’s not the point – the point is that Waterloo to Anywhere is one of the strongest rock & roll albums to come out in ages. The true spirit of The Libertines is back, and not before time.

8/10