If the fact that Placebo are back after four years of not hearing so much as a peep out of them isn’t enough to get you excited, then the fact that their brand new studio album still maintains its image of a sexuality confused band combined with social media and politically fuelled lyrics is sure to raise your spirits.
Loud Like Love is another applause worthy album that Placebo can add to their successful discography catalogue. However, the most amazing thing is that they did it all without sounding their age and transforming into one of those ‘dad bands’ that gets played at a 90’s inspired nightclub. Instead, they have given older avid fans and new listeners alike a modern sound which can be welcomed into the ears.
The album opens with title track Loud Like Love, led in by a delightful guitar riff which sharply dives into an assault of guitars and scratchy lyrics, which is nothing out of the ordinary for Placebo. Then, as it rolls perfectly into second track Scene of the Crime the band seem to find their experimental rhythm and play along with it – the album appears to soar with modern sounds and catchy lyrics. Rob the Bank – which is a little too political for my liking – is perfected by a solid instrumental. The political backdrop gives the track the potential to be a stadium filler if it’s ever played live. The harder hitting latter half of the album is released with song Million Little Pieces which stands out completely from the rest of the tracks.
Although Loud Like Love is only ten tracks long, it remains consistent throughout. Lead singer Brian Molko does the entire band proud as his vocals shine through the depth of how much commitment went into the production of this album. Throughout the album Molko seems eager to assure the listener that he does not care what critics have to say. This is expressed through his booming vocals which are clearer than water. The legacy of Placebo has proved strong with this latest album, although it probably won’t be very popular amongst Placebos older fans.
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