Gin and tonic, sex and drugs, Carl and Pete: some things are just better off together. Granted, Doherty doesn’t star on Let It Reign, but it’s their recently rekindled Libertines love affair that has unquestionably put the missing rock back in Barat´s roll.
With a trip to Thailand – Doherty´s current sanctuary – to record album number three planned, and gig tickets shifting by the thousand, things are (fingers crossed) looking rosy for planned The Libertines reunion.
In the meantime, you’d be forgiven for approaching Barat´s latest effort with some trepidation. By his standards, 2010’s self-titled solo debut limped over the line. Then there’s matter of The Jackals: selected from obscurity following a Facebook campaign/audition, they only hooked up with Barat after his stint recording with Joby J. Ford (The Bronx) in LA.
However, on rousing openers ‘Glory Days’ and ‘Victory Gin’ we’re confronted with a defiant Barat, snarling ferociously: “We are not afraid of anyone/ I defy anyone to tell me that I’m wrong.” The likely lad is back...
As with Babyshambles and Dirty Pretty Things, the chaotic ecstasy of The Libertines is impossible to forget: ‘Summer In The Trenches’ and ‘The Gears’ both scream Up The Bracket, even if the results aren’t as immediately arresting.
Let It Reign isn’t the greatest album involving a Libertine – it’s not even close – but potentially it could prove to be a significant turning point in the ballad of Carl and Pete. Have a listen...

Key Track - 'Victory Gin'