Placebo

As far as glam-rock outfits fronted by androgynous dwarfs go, Placebo have done pretty well since they released their first album over a decade ago.

Having comfortably adjusted to a predictable formula of creating each and every one of their songs in precisely the same mould, Placebo have returned with a few minor adjustments here and there and are now ready to propel a repackaged version of their old album on to the unassuming music loving public.

It’s difficult to see any evidence that Placebo have tried to stray too far from their roots, which probably isn’t a bad thing. Sure, it’s the same repetitive rapid strumming of distorted guitar that has been synonymous with the recent wave of bands from across the pond but does anyone deliver it quite as well as Placebo?


Despite having his eyeliner crown stolen by Brandan Flower’s of The Killers fame, Brian Molko still insists in dressing up like a transsexual vampire. No prizes for guessing the colour of the day - for years Placebo’s all black attire has fitted in quite nicely with the teenage goth version of cool. Handy really that teenage goths constitute a fair chunk of Placebo’s fan base.

With Placebo’s persistent placement towards the top of the charts it’s no surprise that tonight’s gig is a complete sell out. A quick estimate on the overall crowd age would probably even out at an average of 30, which may have something to do with the rather hefty price tag.

Apparently Placebo are a three-piece, although two other evidently non-band members hide away in the background providing the group with a far more rounded sound than would have otherwise been expected. One of these members may seem a tad familiar to the ardent music junkie, as he was once part of similar Britpop glam-rockers Suede’s outfit. These secret band members allow usual bassist Stefan Olsdal to switch his bass for a guitar at regular intervals.


Although dogged by the usual technical difficulties or “everyone’s favourite part of the gig” as the band put it, Molko took time out to take a few pops at James Blunt who appears to be the new scapegoat for bad music.

Much of tonight’s material was taken from the new album ‘Meds’, but the majority of old favourites were there including ‘Every You Every Me’, ’36 Degrees’ and ‘Bitter End’. The new album has been selling remarkably well of late, reaching the number one spot in seven different countries.

Always one for collaborations, Placebo performed ‘Broken Promise’ on which Michael Stipe performed guest vocals. No special appearance from the REM front man this time though.

Also performed was the first single from the new album ‘Because I Want You’, which was interestingly released only in the UK, with ‘Song to Say Goodbye’ released worldwide at the same time. They closed with an acknowledgement to their past, following up the infectious ‘Special K’ with one of their earliest singles ‘Nancy Boy’.

Placebo do have an exceptional ability for fashioning brilliant pop songs with a dark, slightly haunting edge. Unsurprisingly the new material is hardly ground-breaking, but has the virtue of being immediately appealing. As a front man Molko was both engaging and entertaining. They look in good stead for their upcoming festival appearances at T in The Park and The Carling Weekend.

FUTURE GIGS

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