'Babyshambles aren't back, this band has always been here'

Since Babyshambles released their last album 'Shotters Nation' in 2007, there's been a gaping void and a lust for more to come from Pete Doherty and co, and after six years, the tedious but worthwhile wait is finally over. Earlier this week, Babyshambles unleashed their new hard hitting single 'Nothing Comes To Nothing' which immediately highlights melodic resemblances to The Smiths (notably one of Peter's biggest influences) and The Cure, with elements of punk still firmly rooted in the bands musical demeanor. After Peter's solo project in 2009, the reformation of The Libertines, and Doherty's on and off persistent touring, it would appear that the time couldn't be more right for Babyshambles. Despite all of Peter's foibles and debauched antics that the media like to scrutinize, you can't flaw his competency for melody and lyrics, and 'Nothing Comes To Nothing' appears to magnify his flowing creative ability for songwriting, which is still very much fully functioning. The producer Stephen Street, who has also worked with The Smiths and Blur, and also produced Pete Doherty's solo album 'Grace/Wastelands' has managed to exploit and capture the overlooked capability of Babyshambles in this one track. It's a grown up, less scratchy Babyshambles, however Doherty's raw vocals still gives it that unrefined, shambolic yet endearing sound that they embrace. Also, let's be honest in an era where live recordings that haven't been tampered with by auto-tune is becoming somewhat a novelty, we're in need of something a little more back to basics.

It's in a distant world away from Down In Albion, and more of a progression and step up from Shotters Nation, but if it's a blueprint for their next album to be released 'Sequel to the Prequel' on September 2nd, then it's something us fans should be getting very excited about, especially those who will be seeing it translated into a live atmosphere when Babyshambles tour the UK in September. Pete Doherty recently told NME in an interview "I don't want this to be half arsed, I want to get up there and really fu*king smash it out. Babyshambles aren't back, this band has always been here" and judging from 'Nothing Comes To Nothing' Babyshambles will do exactly that. They never really dissapeared, they were just perhaps momentarily absent, or hidden away for a few years, but it has been a constant ongoing project for Pete Doherty, and miracously unlike The Libertines, it has endured which is something great in itself. September will be a big month for music this year, and it would seem that Arctic Monkeys may have a little competition. It's exciting times for British music culture.

So here it is, their new single 'Nothing Comes To Nothing' by Babyshambles. Enjoy.