Review

The first single proper from forthcoming album Battle For The Sun [due June 8], ‘For What It’s Worth’ raises our hopes considerably at the prospect of new Placebo material. After the disappointment of the, rather average, title track – given away as a free download – this song summons some of the brightness of old, whilst embodying the urgency, optimism and colour that are rumoured to characterise the new album.

Brian Molko’s unmistakable vocal, halfway between Matthew Bellamy’s theatricality and Billy Corgan’s stridency, snakes its way between insistent bass and guitar rhythms and accelerated drums. The chorus vocals and the catchy synth riff represent the essence of the song, with videogame style noise and unexpected, shiny trumpet embellishments. It’s been 14 years and Molko’s guys still have something interesting to say and, what’s more, you’ll want to hear it. Virginia Arroyo

Posted on: 27th January 2010

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