Carl Barât at The Cockpit - 22nd Oct 2010

Carl Barât first blasted onto the musical radar as co-front man of The Libertines, a band who’s performances where as energetic and angst filled as their songs. When The Libertines spilt, Pete Doherty went on to incite fame through court appearances and rehab, leaving Carl Barât to enjoy critical acclaim with Dirty Pretty Things.  The group however dispersed after a few years and Barat declared he had ‘had it with bands’. A bout of severe depression and an operation to remove a benign tumour (which left him partially deaf) followed. For most people it might have been enough to have them turn their back on the music industry altogether but it seems Barât was determined to come back fighting.

Tonight he dressed in funeral black, jeans so tight you can see what make his mobile phone is and a battered leather jacket marking the perfect rock star outfit. The backing band however have a class and smartness about them. A huge upright double bass, cello and crisp suits looking more fitting for a classical recital than an indie icon. It appears though that Mr Barât has matured somewhat, nihilism has been replaced by reflection and a volatile performance developed into a more composed stage presence. The songs are a risky departure from the staple indie rock that people would be expecting; they are theatrical, funky, honest, articulate and tender in parts.

Whilst singing the soulful ‘Carve my name’ Barât is bathed in red light and there is a broken vulnerability about him that is mesmerizing and endearing. He is obviously trying to shed his previous image and establish himself as a serious musician and musically he has done this. Where this hasn’t happened though is in his audience. Tonight his own songs are received well but it is when he plays his old Libertines tracks that the audience really come alive. From a modest cheer after each track to a full on insurgence of shouting along, jumping around and spraying beer like confetti. He seems to be caught between two directions, his past success and his present desire and you get the feeling by his demeanour that he has yet to balance this dichotomy. 

Published in Yorkshire Evening Post