Placebo's sixth studio album Battle For The Sun is supposedly a fresh start for the band. A new drummer, and more creative freedom following the completion of their deal with Sony, could have led to a career defining record. Unfortunately, this falls a little short of the mark.
That's not to say Battle For The Sun doesn't have any redeeming features, it does, but there is also no major experimentation within their tried and tested goth-pop formula. With an album title so grandiose, you might be expecting material here that pushes sonic boundaries in the same way as Muse's space opera Black Holes And Revelations, but instead it feels like these songs don't live up to their promise.
Battle For The Sun does have a more cohesive sound than its predecessors, but essentially the material could fit anywhere in their back catalogue, The lyrical content is more positive than before and thematically things do sit relatively comfortably, so it appears there might actually be a light at the end of Placebo's tunnel of misery. Brian Molko sings: "I need a change of skin" towards the end of opening track 'Kitty Litter'. Judging by the themes contained in these songs, that change hasn't yet arrived.
Producer Dave Bottrill has cleaned some of Placebo's rougher edges here. 'Happy You're Gone' is one of the quieter moments on the record before a storming chorus and string section bring the song to life. Meanwhile, 'Ashtray Heart' plays to the pop crowd with some superb backing vocals, and 'Julien' takes baby steps towards a more dance-influenced sound,
High points such as the whiskey-drenched 'Kings Of Medicine' show off Molko's dry lyrical wit. "That old buzzard Johnnie Walker has gone and ruined all our plans/Our best made plans" is one such example. But elsewhere, "You act like you don't give a toss" in 'Come Undone' just feels a little lazy.
Battle For The Sun is therefore a more satisfying experience with each subsequent listen, but remains underwhelming at times. And it's that fact that makes this album a little disappointing because it could have been the perfect opportunity, given the circumstances, to redesign and update the Placebo sound. Newer fans will enjoy these songs but thirteen years in, Placebo still haven't quite delivered the album you were waiting for.
Rating: 3/5