7/10

Throughout the 90s and early 00s, Placebo were heralded as one of the most progressive and distinctive names on the UK's alt-rock scene. Their broad and atmospheric approach to the genre earned them huge acclaim, as well as a devout fanbase that served them extremely well for the first decade of their career. But after their 2013 LP 'Loud Like Love' failed to inspire both critics and fans alike, the band almost called it a day for good. But now they return with their eighth studio album 'Never Let Me Go', a record that looks to see them rebuild what they first strived for.

While there are still plenty of moments that see them hark back to the early Placebo direction, 'Never Let Me Go' still manages to pursue an experimental edge in places. Playing around with a more electronic base than we are used to from them, they almost seem to follow in the footsteps of more contemporaries acts like Chvrches with their euphoric and soaring songwriting. Although it may feel like a step in the dark when compared to their older material, there is something extremely enjoyable about this new guise they are pursuing for themselves.

Nine years is obviously a very long time to be out of the game, but Placebo have managed to deliver a comeback that is still worthwhile. 'Never Let Me Go' is far more inventive than many others have produced at their stage in their career, and shows that there is still plenty of life left in these guys yet.