Academy, Manchester
06/04/11
One half of the iconic pair that are the Libertines, Barat’s performance was calm and intimate; there was no rock ‘n’ roll, and he is definitely no Freddie Mercury as a front man. The solo album, self titled, seems more of a come-down from what you would expect from Dirty Pretty Things or The Libertines; it’s a very up-close-and-personal album, and that’s exactly what his gig was like – in between the covers.
His support, the Foreign Office, performed a set that was very ’80s, with their repetitive use of the hi-hat and synths, and their grooves wouldn’t be out of place at a disco. It got better towards the end, but it felt like a lack-lustre performance never reaching its climax.
Carl came on next with by his five-piece band, which usually features a cello. The first two songs of the set are probably my favourite from the new album, ‘The Magus’ and ‘Run With The Boys’ both of which were fantastic and got the atmosphere and the mood of the crowd to a thrilling start. The Libertines-faithfuls had obviously come out in force, as it got a lot more intense through the four-minute period with everybody jumping around and singing rather passionately and it started to kick off a little bit. The rest of the set consisted of him playing the rest of the solo album – mostly played on acoustic guitar – and a few covers of his band Dirty Pretty Things.
Just as the set had seemingly closed, Carl came back on for an encore which became an entire second half, made up mainly of Libertines songs. It looked like Carl was having fun – he played with a huge smile on his face throughout the guitar solo and he looked relaxed and happy with his performance.
The gig was enjoyable and I think every fan came out happy- whether you prefer the solo Carl, Dirty Pretty Things or The Libertines there was something in the set too make you happy. Generally, the show was thoroughly enjoyable and if he toured again I would be the first to purchase a ticket.