Photo Credit: Charles Henri Belleville
Indie-rock greats Razorlight return with their latest album, Planet Nowhere, filled with the energy and charisma that first made them a staple of British indie rock.
Planet Nowhere marks the return of Razorlight‘s classic line-up – their first album together since 2008 – in a release that’s already polarising fans and critics alike. The band covers familiar ground with a new edge, blending playful irreverence with more reflective moments. Razorlight may have retained the youthful energy that defined their earlier hits. Now, they pair it with subtle social critiques and self-aware lyrics that set a different tone altogether. With spirited vocals, sharp riffs, and catchy rhythms, Planet Nowhere seems the perfect opportunity to reassert Razorlight’s place in modern rock, while still acknowledging the evolution of the band and their audience.
Some of the buzz surrounding Planet Nowhere has centred on its curiously titled track, Taylor Swift = US Soft Propaganda. The song’s bold title hints at a critique of American influence, but the track instead plays out as a light-hearted, two-minute jam. With a catchy riff and biting rhythms, Johnny Borrell’s vocals work perfectly on this track, alive with humour and wit. It’s quirky, satirical, and not quite the expected political statement. Still, it captures the essence of the band’s playful ambivalence.
Although Taylor Swift = US Soft Propaganda sets a humorous tone, tracks like Zombie Love and Empire Service bring a more serious edge. On these tracks, Razorlight move beyond their punchy riffs to explore more serious lyrical themes, such as disillusionment and subtle cultural critique, though these often come across as slightly ambiguous. The track Scared of Nothing balances their signature style with a more contemplative vibe, revealing the bands’ thoughtful side to their songwriting as they explore themes of vulnerability alongside their typical, high-energy rock.
Despite these reflective moments, Planet Nowhere struggles with consistency. Songs like Scared of Nothing and Zombie Love delve into introspective territory, only to be followed by lighter, less layered tracks that revert to the carefree energy of Razorlight’s early days. This tonal shift feels somewhat jarring, as if the band can’t fully reconcile their early indie-rock vibe with the maturity that years of experience might bring. While long-term fans will appreciate the familiar, raw energy, the album’s uneven pacing and occasional lack of depth make it challenging to view Planet Nowhere as a cohesive whole.
Overall, Planet Nowhere is a nostalgic yet uneven return, with Razorlight bouncing between wry humour, social commentary, and their classic indie-rock sound. It’s a welcome homecoming for loyal fans, though newer listeners may find the album caught between youthful irreverence and a slightly tentative reach for deeper meaning and introspection.
8/10
Standout Tracks: Break Your Heart, Nudge, Low
For Fans Of: Kings of Leon, The Kooks, The Libertines
Written by: Soph Johnson
