 There is a place set in everyone's heart for Placebo even if it's just Brian Molko's patent nasal vocal chords that are instantly recognisable or the unique grungy electronic atmosphere they create in their music. What ever it may be, Placebo are a great band. Back in the days of "Pure Morning" being played on MTV2 every five minutes and heartbeat driven "Running Up That Hill" featuring on The OC, this just showed both the talent that they have and the magnitude of their music.
'Battle For The Sun' has a new energy about it. It's a new Placebo at play here, but it's not all good kids. Their sound has improved on this fifth studio album, something that just seemed to be lacking from their previous material is present here. Maybe it's their new drummer or new producer having their creative influence on the three piece that has helped them further hone their sound and in turn create a great sounding record. This is thirteen years of writing music, playing gigs and wearing man liner for Molko. Eventually all of that is going to ware the creativity down a little.
Musically the album couldn't be any better, but lyrically there is a lot to be spoken for. It seems Placebo have been a little lazy when it comes to 'Battle For The Sun'. There is A LOT of repetition in the vocals throughout each track. This works at times, others it does just seem lazy and kind of annoying. The idea of repetition in vocals makes the listener more aware of the lyrics in a shorter time, thus getting stuck in your head. This is shown on self titled track 'Battle For The Sun' with Molko repeating "I, I, I,", "say, say, say", "you, you, you" etc. Uncomfortable as it is to listen to, Placebo then cream all over the place with a harmony filled chorus to bring you back in.
There are some potential rock dance floor fillers on 'Battle For The Sun', bringing a more up beat tempo to Placebo's musical Library. Tracks like 'For What It's Worth', 'The Never-Ending Why' and 'Breathe Underwater'. At times the backing vocals bring a new element of creativity to the record that work really well.
Placebo have a "sound" they can never steer away from, 'Battle For The Sun' showcases them in a new light but nothing completely new, just a refinement of their existing forumla.
Listen To: Kitty Litter, The Never-Ending Why, Breathe Underwater, Come Undone
Tracks:
1. Kitty Litter
2. Ashtray Heart
3. Battle For The Sun
4. For What It's Worth
5. Devil In The Details
6. Bright Lights
7. Speak In Tongues
8. The Never-Ending Why
9. Julien
10. Happy You're Gone
11. Breathe Underwater
12. Come Undone
13. Kings Of Medicine
Check them out: www. placeboworld.co.uk
Last edited by altsounds : July 15, 2009 at 04:38 PM.
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| | | | Overall Rating | | 6 | | Vocals / Lyrics | | 4 | | Musicianship | | 8 | | Production | | 8 | | Creativity | | 7 | | Lastability | | 6 | | Reviewers Tilt | | 7 |
66% | |
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Placebo - Battle For The Sun [Album]
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Re: Placebo - Battle For The Sun [Album]
PLACEBO ANNOUNCE TRACK LISTING FOR NEW ALBUM ‘BATTLE FOR THE SUN’