Placebo is one of my favorite bands when I was in high school and have been ever since, so you can imagine my enthusiasm when I finally got to listen to their new album: Loud Like Love. This album revolves around the theme 'love' in all it's senses, whether it's heartbreak, romance, or general happiness.
The song 'Exit Wounds' deals with heartbreak and is one of my favorites because it somehow has a raw feeling to it, even though the entire album is very polished. Along with the heartbreak theme 'Bosco' feels more like their earlier type of work and it's portraying the unhealthy relationship where the love you have for one another is true and deep but also very poisonous and drains you both from your energy bringing the worst out of you.
'Too Many Friends' I love because it states the world we're currently living in. People nowadays tend to be far closer to others over social apps such as Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp etc. Even though the latter does need a phone number so at least you've met the person before (usually). The song has some humorous lyrics in it as well which have a sarcastic vibe to them due to Brian's voice which makes everything sound serious with a sad undertone.
'Rob the Bank' is about unconditional love, and has some humorous lyrics in it as well such as 'rob the bank, then pick your nose' which had me going wtf the first time I heard it. The overall message is very clear though.
'Loud Like Love' was their second single and is the happiest song on the entire album. I'm not very used to Placebo's work being this happy, so it took some getting used to on my side especially since Brian Molko's voice makes everything sound sad and serious. This song along with 'Scene Of the Crime' will probably be good concert songs.
'Hold On to Me' is a great melodious dark work that could be inspired from bands like 'the Cure', however the last part of the song where Brian gives a 'speech' about serving some higher purpose and our birthrights was not necessary for me, I would've cut out that part.
'A Million Little Pieces' fits in to their earlier work from albums such as 'Sleeping With Ghosts' or 'Meds'. It has great melody to it which is uplifting at times and forceful at others which Placebo has had a lot in past songs. Overall this song has a more depressing tone underneath which does fit in the heartbreak category, but it doesn't necessarily have to do with a romantic parting, I feel this fits to a friendship falling apart.
'Purify' reminded me in the beginning of the guitar riff in the start of their song 'Ashtray Heart', which when comparing the songs to one another it isn't as similar, however the similarity is there. It's a very strong song with strong and subtle pieces of musicality in it. The overall song feels like the beginning of a relationship where everything is yet to be cleared up, or purified if you will. Following 'Purified' is 'Begin the End', which feels like the end of a relationship the way 'Purified' feels like a start. 'Begin the End' brings the melody and the overall feel of the lyrics very well together. You really get the sense of a couple who have loved each other deeply but know it wouldn't work out. The song fits in perfectly with the heartbreak category of this album.
Overall I love the album and the more I listen to it the more I appreciate the work that went in. However, I have to admit I was expecting more intensity from them, especially after waiting 4 years for their new work. But either way I'm happy with this and very excited to be seeing them live in December!
<3
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