THE LIBERTINES - ‘SHIVER’

Writer’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

As the 8th of March rolls closer and closer, so too does The Libertines upcoming album ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade’. The indie royalty are no strangers to their ups and downs, falling outs, breakups, reunions and hiatuses but with every new release I hear a sense of renewed life and vigour within the camp. For me, it’s very encouraging to see a band whose history has been continuously marred with turmoil, controversy and disputes be able to make this record. The band are without a doubt some of the best in indie and as a fan, knowing they still have quality music left in them is wonderful.

‘Shiver’ is a very cinematic track both in its lyrics as well as its music. Unlike the album’s lead single ‘Run Run Run’, these two tracks feel like the real heart of this album. ‘Run Run Run’, as excellent as it is, is an updated version of the classic Libertines sound whereas ‘Shiver’ and the previous single ‘Night Of The Hunter’ seem to show us the real essence of ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’. Moody, melancholic, poetic and haunting in equal measures. The trademark duelling vocals of Pete Doherty and Carl Barât are of course present here and they, as always, add a wonderful dimension to the song.

‘Shiver’ feels like what The Libertines should sound like at this age. It is the perfect maturation of this band so many of us grew up with and to hear them so confidently evolve in the way they have over the years is amazing. Despite the fact it’ll have been nearly a decade since their last album, the boys have still got it and when you’re this good, will definitely never lose it.