[rating=3.50]
Hard rock/alternative outfit Placebo have never been the kind of band to be easily described. And it’s that intangible that fuels most of this latest output from the group, a live ‘Battle For Brixton” show that is rarely relenting. Led by high-pitched singer/guitarist Brian Molko, Placebo deliver a tight, well-executed set opening with “Nancy Boy” and the more mainstream “Ashtray Heart” on what would be the final night of touring behind their last album Battle For The Sun. A latter highlight is “The Bitter End” which rarely lets off the gas pedal.
Not too out of the box compared to other live DVD releases (and with the obligatory grainy camera footage), perhaps the biggest omission here might be not including “Pure Morning,” one of their signatures if not their breakthrough nugget. Regardless, Placebo have placed a bevy of material not found on their previous DVD efforts, with “Kitty Litter” heavy and quite hearty, the guitar saturated “Every You Every Me” shining (despite the occasional glimpse of crazed fans singing along) and “Bright Lights” a fine foot-stomper.
Although the dance-rock of “The Never-Ending Why” has its fleeting moments, the urgent “Meds” atones for that as Molko appreciatively looks out at the Brixton Academy throng. The cover of Nirvana’s “All Apologies” is also a welcome little buzzsaw despite the subtle violin accompaniment. However the bonus material is lacking: 5 of the 6 “bonus live tracks” culled from various festivals are in the main portion with “Speak In Tongues” being the only true bonus track. Nonetheless, Placebo seems to have won the battle for Brixton on this night.
