Placebo is one of those bands in which people seem to come out of the woodwork, and profess their admiration. I am always surprised when someone tells me that they are a Placebo fan, mainly because their music is so unique, as is front man Brian Molko’s voice. I must admit that I am one of those fanatical fans, and was thrilled when their new work entitled Meds, landed on my desk. It was written back in 2004 and recorded over four months during 2005 with French producer Dimitri Tikovoi. Now, on Placebo’s long awaited fifth album, the band finds themselves blending two worlds into one. It has the best of their early sound mixed in with some touches of work that was seen on their departure album, Sleeping With Ghosts. In other words, their music is stripped down and the sound is definitely more indie rock in nature. Fans of both types of Placebo will be happy to hear this outstanding album that features Brian Molko’s patented androgyny filled vocals and neo-glam rock. Meds opens up with the pounding self-titled track, which features VV from The Kills quietly singing along during the chorus. Next on deck is “Infra-Red”, the catchy single with lyrics that hint to cheating and love triangles, and arguably one of the best songs on the album. Another song to take note of is “Broken Promise”, which is an impressive collaboration with Michael Stipe. “Post Blue” is one for people who liked Black Market Music-era Placebo, as the beat is very similar to “Taste In Men”. Finally, there are two slower tunes of the album that are worth checking out since they are different than previous Placebo work; “Pierrot The Clown” and “Follow The Cops Back Home”. If you feel like the darkness is missing out of those then try “Space Monkey”, you’ll feel right at home. This is an album that will trap in younger fans, while continuing to thrill listeners who have been with the band since their very beginning.

Astralwerks

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