Despite an on-again, off-again American tour (it's on again, with dates in Seattle and NYC) and a backlash to their "next big thing" status, the Libertines have sparked quite a buzz as England's answer to the Strokes/Hives "rock is back" phenomena. They finally did get a proper chance to play in the U.S. though - a whole six minutes at Coachella before the authorities pulled the plug (curfew, you know). Up The Bracket was produced by Mick Jones of the Clash, and the too controversial for the UK track What A Waster, which closes the CD, was produced by ex Suede guitarist Bernard Butler. 

From hypnotic cacophony of the opening cut, Vertigo, the clattering guitars and basic drumming surge forward unapologetically. Like the Buzzcocks, the Libertines are simultaneously intelligent, witty and raucous. No one cut leaps out at you immediately, but the cheeky but affectionate groupie paean Boys In The Band ("I've no homestead/but through these hearts I will roam") swirls and crackles with '60s garage rock charm. The refreshing sloppiness of "Horrowshow" & "Up The Bracket" owe as much to Ian Drury and the Blockheads as the Clash. Up The Bracket grows on you with every spin - the way all great albums do.

Vocalist Pete Doherty is by no means a Star Search finalist, and his torpid, disjointed delivery ranks with the most memorable untrained rock voices - Lydon, Strummer, Iggy, et al. The Libertines are energetic, if a little ragged in the musicianship department. Berklee wouldn't let these guys in the door, but what they lack in technical chops they make up for with attitude.