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I'm an author and freelance journalist, venturing into the world of 'blogs' for the first time. Although I usually write from dreams, these are purely formed from my own opinions, observations and general silliness. If you're feeling brave, why not read a couple? Or if you want to go back to the safety of nice, familiar books, venture back to the main site.


PLACEBO – BATTLE FOR THE SUN - Posted on 6/29/2009


I bought Placebo's new album, 'Battle For The Sun' with slight trepidation. I've been a fan of the band since the early days ('Placebo', 'Without You I'm Nothing', and fell in love with 'Black Market Music') and that hasn't really changed, although I was slightly disappointed in ‘Meds'.

I needn't have worried. From the start, 'Battle for the Sun' is filled with energy, raw feeling and light at the end of the tunnel. I'd call this a new direction for the band. It's quite exciting, and much better than the almost dreary (at times) lacklustre attempt of last full album, ‘Meds'. For instance, ‘Follow the Cops Back Home' I just could not get into at all.

Don't get me wrong though, some of the tracks I did quite enjoy – 'Meds', 'Infra Red', 'Space Monkey' – but others, such as ‘Pierrot the Clown' I just found just bored me out of my skull. It was almost as if something was missing. I'm not sure if that sound ‘fitted' just right, although it did seem like it was perhaps a natural transgression from ‘Sleeping With Ghosts'.

Anyway, it seems like we've found a return to the Placebo I know and love, although there's been a change in the line-up.

I believe this is the first album Placebo have released since Steve Hewitt left the band in 2007. Steve Forrest is the new addition to the 'family', and I'm wondering how much of an impact that has had on their sound. I always loved the line-up that Hewitt was a part of, but I can't say I'm complaining with this album; it's a triumph, and if Forrest is part of that then good for him.

In fact, the band sounds revitalised. From the push of play, ‘Battle' gets right in there with ‘Kitty Litter' and doesn't really stop until the end of the disc! The transgression between songs is smooth and keeps your attention all the way through; it just never lets up. I especially love ‘Battle for the Sun' – why is it that so many albums have one song the same title as the album? Is that song supposed to be the best? Anyway, that may be true with this song. ‘For What It's Worth' is also a great track, expertly produced with a nice little mini-interlude in the middle. 'Bright Lights' is another of my favourites, I can imagine singing along to this already.

With so much energy it's hard not to get lost in these songs, and I'm already finding myself compelled to tell people about it – which is why I'm writing this blog.

I mean really, even Brian Molko looks revitalised. Although older, he looks like he has gone back in time, back to the days of debut album ‘Placebo' and ‘Without You I'm Nothing' and the long hair definitely suits him. He is as beautiful as ever, and makes wonder where the hell I've been for the past few years.

This whole album says: ‘Wake Up', to me. Love it.

I think Placebo have found a new direction, one that fits this time. I'm really impressed.

10 out of 10 Devils in the Details


Add a comment

Comment from Kev
Great review. Was a fan of Black Market Music, might give this a listen.
Posted 6/30/2009



Comment from Rina
Never really been into Placebo but they have done some good stuff.. Black Market Music I did like though so like the review above think i'll give this a listen when I can
Posted 6/30/2009



Comment from Katie
I love Placebo too :-D x
Posted 6/30/2009



Comment from B.
I watched the DVD documentary that came with the album last night - it was actually quite good. They seem much more relaxed now, and Brian Molko looks a lot more natural and happy in himself, also good.
Posted 6/30/2009



Comment from James da Poet guy ,Bendigo Australia
Very goo B-Winnie!! I guess i must get this album and play it on my radio show this. 10pm-til 3pm Eastern Australian Central Time. www.phoenifm.org
Posted 7/1/2009



Comment from B.
Thanks, Mr self-promoter.
Posted 7/1/2009



Comment from Dave
Decent review for a decent band, respect.
Posted 7/3/2009