This week Peter Doherty released his latest solo album Felt Better Alive.
I’ve long felt that Pete uses his solo work as a way to explore styles and themes that don’t fit the traditional Indie four piece set up of The Libertines, and this new record is no exception. It is an eclectic collection of tracks that, If anything, feels more widely exploratory than his previous albums, while still highlighting Pete’s signature story telling and exquisite lyricism.
Delving into the tracks, Pot of Gold touches on his recent fatherhood and I could imagine him sitting singing this one to little daughter Billie-May as she falls asleep (but maybe that’s just me). There’s a little nod to his new home France with Prêtre de la mer which actually does make me feel as though I’m by the seaside when I listen. Both hint to the fact that this album feels a touch more introspective than some of his previous work. Forever the storyteller, it’s nice to see these more mundane parts of his story take centre stage, the little personal touches showing what his day to day life now is.
Single The Day the Baron Died, a creative reimagining of a track off The Libertines album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade, serves to emphasise the importance of this additional creative outlet for Doherty, while Calvados feels very much like a classic Peter track that could slot in beside any of his previous works.
My personal favourites are probably Ed Belly and Out Of Tune Balloon. Both highlight Pete’s witticism and sense of fun. There’s a beautiful lyrical flow to each of these songs, and I especially love the folk sounding nature of Ed Belly. It’s great to see Peter Doherty maintaining his creative songwriting, and I’m very jealous of everyone getting to see this album on tour!
Listen to the album here
Peter Doherty tour dates here.