Photo Credit: Molli Keenor

The Libertines frontman made a triumphant return to Bedford Esquires on Monday the 10th March as part of his UK ‘Anywhere in Albion‘ tour. The sold-out gig featured tracks from Peter Doherty’s upcoming album as well as some stone-cold indie sleaze Libertines classics pleasing gig goes old and young. Pinned as his most confident collection yet, Pete’s first solo album in nine years ‘Felt Better Alive’ will be released on May 16th.

The evening kicked off with Southampton guitarist CHARLES BAULLER, reflective of a young Doherty he commanded the stage with a selection of his impressive acoustic material that was well received by the crowd. BAULLER is in the process of writing his first album and has supported Doherty across most of his UK tour dates, gaining exposure and honing his audience. His supporting set included the spooky/melancholy ‘Hollywood Century‘, vulnerable ‘Dream Sequence’ and playful ‘Whilst I Had the Chance‘ that finished the set on a high and well warmed up for what was to come.

Next on was JUNIOR BROTHER who has recently been signed or ”captured” in Pete’s words, to his Strap Originals record label. Described by Pete as “pagan psychedelica” the Irish Alt-Folk frontman entertained with his almost tribal thumping kick drums and distinctive chord progressions. Hailing from Killarney, BROTHER takes influence from avant-garde music of the middle- ages and his home in rural Ireland. After his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Pull The Right Rope‘ comes ‘The Great Irish Famine‘ a bold and exciting new chapter, rich with emotive and profound songwriting.

As we approached 9pm the sticky floors of Esquires quickly filled, PETER, donning his best QPR jacket, que ‘We Are the Rangers Boys‘, took to the stage, kicking off his set with the buzzing Babyshambles big hitters ‘Kilimanjaro‘ and ‘The Man Who Came to Stay‘. Charged up with iconic indie licks and flicks reminiscent of the 2000’s garage rock era, the energy radiated around the room before he seamlessly rolled into his new material. The title track ‘Felt Better Alive‘ marks his return to the scene, a rich indie ballad that captivates with iconic melodies and exquisite storytelling that DOHERTY is renowned for.

The toe tapping Libertines classic ‘What Katie Did‘ from their self- titled first album was the first to get the crowd singing along. PETER’s playing is still as clean as ever, showcasing himself as a well -established musician who makes for an effortless performance. Swiftly followed by ‘Music When The Lights Go Out‘ – a personal favourite of mine and another crowd pleaser.

‘Pot Of Gold‘, also from the new album, is a track dedicated to his young daughter Billie Mae who had already stole the hearts of the crowd briefly appearing on stage before PETER. The soothing lullaby captured the audience in a heartfelt moment as we witnessed DOHERTY in his most vulnerable state, a stark contrast to his chaotic past. It reminds us and cements the truth that this is a deeply personal collection of songs.

DOHERTY played a few more from the new album before finishing his set on the greats ‘Don’t Look Back Into The Sun‘ and ‘Can’t Stand Me Now‘ that got the room bouncing making it feel like a Saturday night rather than a Monday. It was evident there is still a lot of love for DOHERTY, with a mix of fans old and young, new ears and others who had attended over fifty shows he continues to attract with his poetic lyricism and unapologetic electric stage presence.