Mr Michael D Bigg | Berkhamsted, Herts United Kingdom | 12/01/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After the stupendous Drawn To The Deep End, Gene were always going to have a hard time trying to meet expectations.When I first heard Libertine my expectations were certainly not met, but as with all good things Libertine is something that grows.Gene yet again demonstrate the sheer diversity of their music, from the epic "Does He Have a Name?", working into the divine "A Simple Request", through the touching "O Lover", past the really quite funky "Let Me Rest", into the gorgeous "You", and climaxing with the almost chilling "Spy in the clubs" and the best recording of "Somewhere in the world" ever.One thing I will say is that this album shows a much more funky Gene. Long may it live."
Liberating self-release for indie libertines
Jamie S. Rich | Portland, OR USA | 11/26/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Part of the great label purge of the last couple of years, Gene have taken matters into their own hands. This is the third release on their own (following the amazing RISING FOR SUNSET live disc and the glorias "Is It Over?" EP), and it shows a band taking their newfound freedom as an excuse to stretch. Gene's second album, DRAWN TO THE DEEP END, is their masterpiece, and it's a good starting point for what we have here. The songs are longer, with less of a pop structure--in fact, they tend to meander of on their own and the boys have left their usual catchy singles behind. But don't take that as a band sign. LIBERTINE is an adventure, a modern indie soul record akin to Mansun's misunderstood LITTLE KIX. It's deep and beautiful stuff, and if Martin Rossiter's satin pillow talk doesn't thrill you, then possible the deep instrumentation will. Give it a try. It may not be the Gene you're expecting, but you'll have to at least give them credit for taking it somewhere else."
This Album Is As Good As The Cover Is Sexy.
siamkid | 04/19/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Any claims that this band is simply a Smiths wannabe band lose all credibility once and for all with the release of Libertine. I would like to go into the details of each song's brilliance, but instead I will just say that they are all absolutely fantastic. Whether you have been a long time Gene fan, or if you are simply looking for a great new sound, Libertine is a great album to have.Easily 5 Stars..."
Martin and the guys get sexy in 2001
Timothy A. Wilson | Fairfax, Virginia, USA | 12/17/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I should probably preface this review by admiting that Gene is my favorite band. I think that "Drawn to the Deep End" was a masterpiece. And the American music scene would do well to latch onto this band and celebrate its greatness.Okay, so with that out of the way, let me explain why "Libertine" is such a worthy successor to "Drawn to the Deep End", "Revelations", and "Rising for Sunset". On "Libertine", Gene ventures further from the Smiths' formula and brings us a sexy, seductive mixture of Britpop, blues, and soul. It's unlike their previous CDs, yet immediately recognizable. I think this is some kind of experiment, one that went wonderfully right."Is It Over?" and "Yours for the Taking" are classically Gene -- aching and lovely, full of hope and desperation. "O Lover" and "Walking in the Shallows" are up-tempo, radio-friendly gems. "A Simple Request" and "Spy in the Clubs" make good use of Gene's new soulful formula and highlight the band's songwriting. Only "We'll Get What We Deserve" leaves me flat -- I could do without the reggae allusions, but it's hardly a bad song.Once again, Gene has created a memorable addition to my CD library. I wonder now, what will they do next?"