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PlaceboMeds EMI It really is amazing how an artist can pull out an album that seems predictable in so many ways and yet manage to make it so damn likeable. 'Meds' is another Placebo album containing a plethora of lyrics that those kids in black can relate to about drugs, dysfunctional relationships, school and self loathing and it could all sound so cliche, but here it sounds so cool yet again. Brian Molko works within the limitations of his voice and makes two wise choices for guest vocalists to add depth to the album without letting them steal his limelight. The title track has the sultry voice of Allison "W" Mosshart from The Kills in support, but when Molko's wailing kicks into full swing underpinned by those big guitars the album is off to a cracking start. Michael Stipe's voice is initially unrecognisable in Broken Promise as he maintains a low pitch and almost whispered vocals, contrasting excellently with Molko's high pitched voice. The addition of searing guitars makes this track a real standout. In fact, the greatest musical progression found in 'Meds' would have to be the guitar sounds. On previous Placebo albums the sounds have generally been great, but 'Meds' sees the band turn it up another notch with moments of impressively massive wall-of-sound guitars as well as some cooler, cleaner moments. Not only is the guitar production excellent, songs like the slow dark melancholy of Follow The Cops Back Home remind you how effortlessly Placebo write songs that drift into your psyche and blatantly refuse to leave, while the lyrical ambiguity and pounding bass line of Because I Want You is destined to be a golden favourite with punters in the moshpit. 'Meds' might lack the depth and beauty of 'Black Market Music''s ballads, but it is a far stronger and more compelling record than 'Sleeping With Ghosts'. Placebo are nothing if not consistent and 'Meds' is a solid album that will surely please their sizeable fan base.  |
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