The Libertines revealed their first song in over a decade, 'Gunga Din', and its accompanying video, last night. It's provoked some strong reactions from both Libertines fans and long-time sceptics.
The characteristically syncopated, ska-influenced song is slightly more melodious, and less ramshackle, than much of the band's previous offerings - but it retains a sense of pent-up energy and jubilance, and descends into five seconds of raucousness right at the end: "What you doing you stupid fucking idiot?"
In case you missed it, watch the video for 'Gunga Din' below
The song has gone down a storm with many Libertines fans - and has even won over some detractors.
NEW LIBERTINES TRACK IS FUCKING SICKOOOOOOOO
— Adam Biggs (@DrummerBiggs) July 3, 2015
Gunga Din is magical @libertines
— Dalian (@Dalianjb) July 3, 2015
Nah the new Libertines track is absolutely huge, fucking buuuuzzing
— Andrew Hoggett (@Hoggett95) July 3, 2015
My hot take on The Libertines new track - I quite like it
— Tom Cotton (@tom_amazing) July 3, 2015
if the libertines new album is good surely they gotta go down as one of the best bands ever I think they are anyway they're unreal
— callUM (@caazbucket) July 3, 2015
Quite like that new Libertines tune, to my surprise
— 2015ean (@seancourt) July 3, 2015
The libertines released their new song on my birthday and it's beautiful
— amelia (@AmeliaCooper_) July 3, 2015
Dear god the new Libertines single is everything I expected it to be.
— Stuart Taylor (@stuartctaylor) July 3, 2015
It's not gone down well with everyone though. Some non-believers firmly refused to be converted, and some who were fans ten years ago wished the new material hadn't been made.
i dislike the new libertines track as much as i dislike any of their other tracks
— teim suga (@teimsugaw) July 3, 2015
I do not want new Libertines material. I want them to stay in the uncynical sunshine of my youth where I like them best.
— Gillian Donovan (@gilliandonovan) July 3, 2015
That libertines song is pretty average to say the least, still, I won't let it tarnish that first album & memories of my early 20s though
— Arab Strap Boy (@ArabStrapBoy) July 3, 2015
I'm unsure how people can call that Libertines a classic song after one listen. I was very underwhelmed. Perhaps it's a grower.
— robgrew (@robgrew) July 3, 2015
I do have some friends that work with them and don't want to sound dis loyal but the new Libertines tune really sucks balls beyond words.
— Matt Terry (@MrDroog) July 3, 2015
Others, meanwhile, haven't quite made up their mind yet.
Gunga Din's alright y'know. Definitely not the Libertines' worst reggae song.
— Fred Macpherson (@fredmacpherson) July 3, 2015
Not sure how I feel about the new Libertines song. It's ok - great in places - but it's quite poppy, isn't it?
— RCS (@ryan_simmonds) July 3, 2015
Yesterday, The Libertines announced details of their third album, Anthems For Doomed Youth. The tracklist for the various different versions of the LP are below:
Standard:
1. Barbarians
2. Gunga Din
3. Fame And Fortune
4. Anthem For Doomed Youth
5. You're My Waterloo
6. Belly Of The Beast
7. Iceman
8. Heart Of The Matter
9. Fury Of Chonburi
10. The Milkman's Horse
11. Glasgow Coma Scale Blues
12. Dead For Love
BOXSET (includes all standard and deluxe tracks):
Deluxe CD
12” Vinyl
Exclusive film
Demo CD
Signed art print
Artwork for all album tracks
DELUXE:
1. Barbarians
2. Gunga Din
3. Fame And Fortune
4. Anthem For Doomed Youth
5. You're My Waterloo
6. Belly Of The Beast
7. Iceman
8. Heart Of The Matter
9. Fury Of Chonburi
10. The Milkman's Horse
11. Glasgow Coma Scale Blues
12. Dead For Love
13. Love On The Dole
14. Bucket Shop
15. Lust Of The Libertines
16. Seven Deadly Sins
The album's release comes shortly after The Libertines return to the UK to headline Reading & Leeds festival across August Bank Holiday weekend, and will also see performances from Metallica, Mumford & Sons, Jamie T, Limp Bizkit, Royal Blood, Kendrick Lamar, Alt-J and many more. For Reading tickets visit here, and for Leeds tickets visit here.
