Unfortunately Placebo don't always get it right. Their last two albums took a massive beating from all corners of the UK music press; a bitter blow after the success of Placebo and Without You I'm Nothing. However, the band's fifth album sees the return of what made Placebo great in the first place – sex, drugs and naughty words!

Fans could have been excused for worrying that the Placebo boys would concentrate on their more experimental side but fear not, the guitars are back. First single, 'Because I Want You', is a heavy riff paradise, which sees Brian indulging his sentimental side. As with their last offering a slight electronic dusting accompanies pure riffage in tracks such as the spiteful 'Infra-Red' and pop-tastic 'Drag', both of which are prime single material. As well as guitar ridden angst, there are some groovier moments on the album. 'Post Blue' and 'One of a Kind' are heavy bass line behemoths that will make even the hardest Placebo critic's feet tap.

Meds also has two surprising guest appearances; Opening track, 'Meds', sees Brian serenaded by the sleek vocals of Alison VV (of the Kills), whilst being accompanied by warp speed guitars. Michael Stipe appears on 'Broken Promise'; a softly-softly then thrashy-thrashy affair, full of the venom and gall that the band apparently never lost.

If there are any downsides to Meds they are due to the occasional cheesy lyric, something which plagued their previous two albums. Fortunately these duff periods are restricted to the current singles 'Song to Say Goodbye' and 'Because I Want You'.

Meds runs wonderfully as an album, and also puts Placebo back where they were in the late 90s; one of the UK's strongest rock assets.        

(4/5)

Release Date: 13 March 2006

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