Although I do love me some metal, I truly do enjoy music of all genres wholeheartedly. My record collection spans quite a range and my taste in music can vary widely depending on my mood or what is going on in my life. So, to get a cut from a new “act” was intriguing to say the least. I really didn’t know what to expect. I was contacted with just the information that The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime (Strap Originals) would be a collab between Peter Doherty (ex-The Libertines) & Frédéric Lo. So, being a fan of The Libertines I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.

First off, I have to say this was a fun record to listen to. This collaboration definitely brings some really cool elements to the table. The contents of this cut are wide-ranging, keeping the listener on the edge of their seat. I enjoyed the stripped down feel of each track and the songwriter take they used to approach the lyrical aspect. The

songs come to the listener naturally with a melancholy lost in the big city folk type feel (that city being London of course!).

Another thing that really stands out to me is the diversity in the choice of instrumentation used in each track bringing out emotion where lyrics take a break. Utilizing strings of all sorts and intimate piano sections, you can’t help but to close your eyes and picture a small club setting surrounded by people sitting in quiet anticipation of what’s to come next.  I would definitely recommend this cut to my non-metal head friends. There is always a place in the hearts of music lovers for this type of album.

7 / 10

TORBJORN SOLGARD