Peter Doherty releases his new album with latest outfit the Puta Madres. Taking a softer sound approach than with his previous bands, Doherty still maintains his distinctly ramshackle styling whilst demonstrating a clear blending on genre.

Peter Doherty has long since been a staple within the British music scene. From the era-defining Libertines to the grungier Babyshambles, Doherty’s reputation has,r for a time, surpassed him. Now, reaching 40, Doherty has seemingly left this debauchery behind him. As evidenced within his latest release, the self-titled Peter Doherty and the Puta Madres.

As opening track ‘All At Sea’ kicks in, it highlights a softer side to Doherty’s musical scope. The up-beat nature of the melody sounds something akin the previous release, Babyshambles’ ‘Sequel To The Prequel’. Doherty sounds re-invigorated, whist still maintaining elements of his trademark punk-tinged style. Following this is the albums lead single ‘Who’s Been Having You Over?’ This takes the album in a distinctly different tone. The lead in features heavy, brooding keys before kicking into the main bulk of the track. The chorus seems like a cathartic scream for Doherty, blending with the heavy melodic tones whist still having the ability to hold his own with these tones.

Track ‘Someone Else To Be’ takes the album in a slower acoustic direction. The slower, heart-felt ballad is demonstrated within the preference of violin solo, rather than the more traditional guitar solo. This highlights Doherty’s undeniable growth as an artist. The track also features a surprising mini-cover of Oasis’ hit ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’. Doherty’s cry of, “Please don’t put your life in the hands of a rock and roll band, we’ll throw it all away” seems particularly poignant with Doherty’s previous troubles, in-particular within main outfit The Libertines. The chorus of, “ride into the sun” in-particular furthers the idea of a rejuvenated Doherty turning-over a new leaf, both musically and personally.

This is not to say the album does not feature it’s more traditional Doherty sounds, as evidenced within, “The Steam”. The influences of his previous outfits are clear to see, citing a harder, more guitar driven sound. The album reaches its emotional peak with track, ‘Travelling Tinker’, dedicated to Doherty’s fallen friend Alan Wass. This again highlights Doherty’s self-awareness of his past, and wonderfully pays tribute to those who have fallen.

The album draws to a close with track, ‘Punk Buck Bonafide’. Still keeping a focus upon an acoustic, softer tone, the lyrical nature perhaps takes aim at various political issues surrounding the globe in its current climate. The performance being reserved for only Doherty and his guitar encapsulates the albums initiate nature.

Peter Doherty and The Putra Madres wonderfully demonstrates Doherty’s rejuvenated nature within recent times. Demonstrating a shift away from the typical punk-rock stylings past releases. It demonstrates a more mellow side to Doherty, embracing a time in his life many thought he would not reach. It highlights his growth as an artist, and an undeniable rejuvenated side to the libertine.