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.
8/10
Standout Tracks: Break Your Heart, Nudge, Low
For Fans Of: Kings of Leon, The Kooks, The Libertines
Written by: Soph Johnson
