It’s been 6 years since the Babyshambles released ‘Shotters Nation’ but ‘Sequel to the Prequel’ was definitely worth the wait as it is a beautiful follow up to the 2007 banger. It seems no matter how much Doherty poisons himself with narcotics he still remains one of the greatest songwriters of this century. Sequel to the Prequel is not particularly avant-garde however, it does not need to be. It is an easy, yet thoroughly enjoyable listen with masterpieces laced throughout. ‘Farmer’s Daughter’ is a superb sing-a-long anthem that’ll be shouted back at Pete as he performs it (providing he turns up to the gigs) and 'Dr. No’ introduces an almost Reggae/Dub feel with its syncopated guitar and highly-tuned snare. Despite this however, we are returned to the comfort of Babyshambles usual British charm with the upbeat, yet morbid, folk foot-tapper ‘Picture me in a Hospital’. The album is closed with a bang with a slightly heavier ‘Minefield’ with Mick Whitnall screeching out some gorgeous guitar licks. Overall, the album familiarises us once again with the original Babyshambles sound although the influence of Pete’s solo stuff is definitely heard. Although the Arctic Monkeys’ ‘AM’ may steal the limelight this September, ‘Sequel to the Prequel’ should not go unheard.
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