Paul Broadhead discovers an album full of positivity and reflection
So Recordings
Released: 25.03.22
A band that has always found beauty in the elegantly wasted, now find it in positivity and reflection on their eighth studio record and first in nine years. There’s a familiar warm glow to opener Forever Chemicals, but unlike that first high, Placebo are able to keep hitting the heights of the late 90’s on the instantly melodic Try Better Next Time and love song Beautiful James.
More mid-tempo than earlier releases, Brian Molko still has plenty of high adrenaline anthems like Hugz in him, but is equally at home with the poignant meditation on death, The Prodigal, complete with Under Pressure sample. This is ultimately a beautifully positive collection which proves there are still plenty of highs even after the comedown.