On the second of two sold out nights at the Glasgow Barrowlands, The Libertines are on top form

★★★★☆ (4/5)

THE LIBERTINES PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S BARROWLANDS
PHOTOCREDIT: CALUM BUCHAN

“Pete Docherty, is that guy still alive?” says a colleague of mine at work as we discuss weekend plans. Well tonight provides evidence that not only is he alive, he is alive and kicking. If kicking means the ability to thrill drunken Glaswegians with 00s indie rock.

Of course, The Libertines would not be the Libertines without not only Pete but Carl Barat, Gary Powell and John Hassall. There intermit reunions have become more frequent and these band appear to be a regular prospect. Recent well received new All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade shows they have not lost their touch as song writers. Tonight’s show is a mix of the new album and classics from Up The Bracket and the self-titled second album.

Firstly though, prior to the Libertines, there is a well-received support set from Alien Chicks which is fun and wild. Further support comes from Real Farmer with an angular take on indie rock sitting somewhere between post punk and full-on punk rock. Even between support acts the gathering crowd is entertained by Ed Cousins. As the crowd swells with late comers the Libertines take to the stage just after 9. A Friday at the Barrowlands is not a hard sell and the Libertines do not need to work overly hard to win over a liquored up and appreciate crowd. Though the dapper looking band really do spoil fans with an opening seven song run of old classics including What Became of the Likely Lads, The Good Old Day and Up the Bracket. Sounding immediately on superb form and with the crowd belting back every word it is clear the band sound sharp and well-rehearsed. Still the ramshackle charm remains, an early highlight is the excellent build of the staggered guitar intro from Boys in the Band and the filthy sleaze of Vertigo still hits hard. While s songs from the new album All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade are also well received particularly Run, Run, Run.

Music When the Lights Go Out prompts a massive sing along while the main set then closes with a masterful version of Can’t Stand Me Now. After a slightly extended break they return for an elongated encore. Gunga Din verses are deliciously spat out by Carl before the song bleeds into Last Post on the Bugle, before Time for Heroes, What A Waster and Don’t Look Back into the Sun close the 00s indie disco. At this point I am clearly not the only crowd member whose voice is shoot to shit.

They end the show with warm hugs with each other and extended bouts of bowing. Suggesting that any rumours of an argument between Pete and Carl prior to yesterday’s instore show are not worth a second thought. Gary Powell leads the crowd in chant of Free Palestine. Long may the aging Albion ship continue to thrill.