Babyshambles - Live In Manchester
[Manchester Apollo]

Returning to Manchester for the second time this year, there doesn’t seem to be any doubt or apprehension about whether or not Pete Doherty and Babyshambles will turn up. A new lease of life seems to have attached itself to the troubled troubadour and a much appreciated gush out of ‘Pipedown’, shows that the first album material has lost none of its poetic zap and freshness.

However, it is a striking Pulp veined new song building around the line; “It’s a lousy life for a washed up wife” that sticks out early on. This represents an embracement of pure pop catchiness with new wave spirit at its best, showing that Pete has been polishing his vocals as well. The femme screams and looks of awe at the presence of the musical maverick are balanced out by the introduction of Kate Moss, giving the guys something to focus upon for the dawdling and passionate ‘La Belle Et Le Bete’.

The expansive recent offering, ‘The Blinding EP’ is well represented tonight and it helps to draw out the song-building progression that has been made. A move towards subtlety in that department finds favour and creates a topsy-turvy feel to the set. Something that is indicative of the band’s career so far.

Big hitters in the form of the poetically patriotic Albion that is a poor and bemused indie man’s ‘God Save The Queen’, as well as the laid back punk spirited ‘Fuck Forever’, closes an evening whereby musicianship wins the day over showboating and controversy. For the latter two numbers, drummer Adam Ficek, stands in the limelight matching Doherty’s vocal jabs with his rhythm and tone.

Satisfied souls head contentedly out of the door after receiving confirmation that Babyshambles are by no means one man show.