Author: Sean Kirkpatrick
Our forgotten leader of the alternative music scene returns with an LP reminiscent of the pure talent of a young English boy that time forgot. The prodigal son has truly returned. Doherty, returns to us older, wiser and seemingly more reflective with his new album `Hamburg DemonstrationsÔÇÖ. The reference to the German homeland comes after Doherty was referred to Clouds Hill Recordings having always wanted to record in Hamburg. As of which he turned up unannounced on the doorstep the next day.
The opening track to the album eludes to the newspaper man who meets a sticky end at the end of Brighton Rock. `Kolly KibberÔÇÖ kicks us off with an acoustic riff that masks a darker undertone. Repeated pleads by Doherty of, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want to end up like Kolly KibblerÔÇØ are partnered with tales of how, ÔÇ£they broke the mould when they made youÔÇØ, indicating genuine feelings of love and hope. The musical talent of Doherty is evident in the plodding base of, `Down for the OutingÔÇÖ, analogous to previous Babyshambles records; `Shotters NationÔÇÖ and `Down in AlbionÔÇÖ, back when Doherty was arguably at his best. This is an early indication of the musician back potentially back at his best. The duet with Suzi Martin on `BirdcageÔÇÖ is where we see this mature musician edge his younger self. `The sickness of celebrityÔÇÖ gives us that recurring feeling of a reminiscent artist looking back, maybe regretful, maybe not. Regardless, the guitar riffs continue to form the bedrock of the flourish of this album, whilst the voice of Suzi Martin shows the worth of combining musical force.
`Hell to pay at the gates of HeavenÔÇÖ, a song about the Paris attacks sees the artful question, ÔÇ£come on boys choose your weapon, J-45 or AK-47?ÔÇØ (Gibson J-45 being John Lennon`s favourite acoustic guitar). An artistic lyrical spin on a dark tale of events, and thus a vintage Doherty shining through in his lyrical magic. The tributes do not end there, as the following track, `Flags from the old regimeÔÇÖ is a new recording of the Amy Winehouse tribute, formerly `flags of the old regimeÔÇÖ. This tones down the force of the music with an acoustic feel to an accurate portrayal of a troubled friend. Genuine feelings of Doherty again, are prevalent throughout, particularly in the title track; `I donÔÇÖt love anyone (but you’re not just anyone)ÔÇÖ. Ultimately, we are presented with the talent of an artist that was already matured musically beyond his years. A Doherty that eludes back to the Babyshambles and Libertines leader we once knew, itÔÇÖs nice to have you back Pete, you’ve been missed.
‘Hamburg Demonstrations’ ┬áis out on the 2nd of December. Pre Order a copy here: