Album Review: Peter Doherty - Hamburg Demonstrations

Seven years since his Grace/Wastelands album, Peter Doherty has re-grouped and come back with an interesting second solo album.

Opener Kolly Kibber showcases the cheerful, playful side of Doherty, with soothing vocals and upbeat piano as female guest vocalists give the song an angelic twist. His vocals are slightly croaky and imperfect throughout, giving the album a raw feel, especially in stripped-back tracks like Down For The Outing where the guitars pack a punch.

Hell To Pay At The Gates Of Heaven is based on the Paris attacks of 2015 with its meaningful but catchy lyrics gliding through the topic with his raw vocals. Doherty pays tribute to Amy Winehouse in Flags From The Old Regime, with its heartfelt lyrics that delve deeper than other songs on the album. Throughout the album, Doherty's songwriting skills are incredible; his emotions are left on his sleeve as he opens up with no regrets.

As the guitars ring out, I Don't Love Anyone (But You're Not Just Anyone) is the shining star among the tracks with its perfect lyrics, beautiful, mellow beat accompanied by violins as Doherty turns the mood even sadder. A Spy In The House Of Love and She Is Far have killer guitars. The album itself is very calm while at times also a little depressing, as Doherty's stripped-back songs emerge as slow and heartfelt rather than upbeat and happy.