The Libertines announce new album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade

English rock band The Libertines have announced details of their long-awaited fourth studio album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade.

The first new album from the four-piece in nine years, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Dimitri Tikovoï (The Horrors/Charli XCX/Becky Hill) and recorded at The Albion Rooms in Margate; with songwriting credits shared amongst all four of the band. Mixing the upcoming record, is producer Dan Grech-Marguerat, who has previously worked with Lana Del Rey, Liam Gallagher and Paul McCartney.

A welcome 11 track return to form for the quartet, The Libertines named the record in tribute the band’s Margate hotel, studio, restaurant and bar, The Albion Rooms – and their enduring love of Erich Maria Remarque’s landmark 1928 anti-war novel, All Quiet on the Western Front.

Opening lead single 'Run, Run, Run' is a raucous, singalong punk anthem, a classic indie anthem that sees them reflect on the state of the band after two decades.

“It's about being trapped, and trying to escape your dismal life, a bit like the man in Bukowski’s ‘Post Office,' says co-frontman Carl Barât. "The worst thing for The Libertines would be to get stuck in a ‘Run-run-run’ rut, constantly trying to relive our past...”

The new record — partly conceived during their sessions in Geejam Port Antonio, Jamaica — saw frontmen Barât and Pete Doherty renew their chemistry, returning to Margate to reconvene with bassist John Hassall and drummer Gary Powell. Of the new record, Doherty said: “we really came together as a band for “a moment of rare peace and unity, with all the members contributing.”

Peter Doherty at Opium, Dublin 14.4.2023 Copyright Colm Kelly

“We’re over the moon, the ball is in the back of the net, and I’m chuffed for the lads!”

“I feel like we’ve completed a cycle of some kind as a band, and finally now we can add these songs to the set list, because we've got some bangers in there, Doherty continued. Now we’ve opened the hotel and used the studio ourselves and it’s all worked out – more Libertines records? I should hope so!

The Libertines’ new album ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’ is available on CD, deluxe CD, 12” vinyl in limited edition coloured variants, deluxe double vinyl cassette and digital download on March 8.

Fans who pre-order the upcoming release will be in with a chance to win tickets for All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade – described as “two days of special acoustic and electric live shows by The Libertines” at the 500-capacity Lido in Margate on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 December.

Give the new track a listen below:

A full tracklist for All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade:

1. Run, Run, Run
2. Mustang
3. Have A Friend
4. Merry Old England
5. Man With The Melody
6. Oh Shit
7. Night Of The Hunter
8. Baron’s Claw
9. Shiver
10. Be Young
11. Songs They Never Play On The Radio