Brian Molko's trademark fragile whine has become a dependable motif on the music scene for some years now. It's easy to complain about a band which don't radically change over time, but Placebo have recently re-energized themselves following a temporary lack of form and competition from the likes of Muse. They may sound pretty much the same as when they broke through 10 years ago but there's something comforting about that.
Song To Say Goodbye lulls you with a slow start which sets things up for a brooding ballad of the unrequited. And then, just when you think the rest of the song is going to continue in the same vein, it builds some more to a frenetic bridge and chorus. There's also the bonus of slight sci-fi feel with some Dr Who style wooo-wooo-ing in the background.
This might not convert any new fans, but if you already like their music this is the sign of a band back on form - even if it's the usual dark places that we've been to before.
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