Amazon.co.uk Review 


Libertine is the fourth album by Gene. Arriving at the height of Britpop 
with their 1994 debut Olympian, Gene were met with acclaim and the 
not-unjustified tag of London's answer to The Smiths. But as Britpop 
waned so did interest in Gene. Still, their defiant streak kept them 
going; rearing their heads at regular intervals with singles--"Fighting 
Fit", "We Could Be Kings", "Where Are They Now?"--clearly aimed at 
reminding the world of their existence. While their Libertine desperately 
lacks the kind of instant anthems that might reverse their fortunes, it 
is their most considered and affecting album to date. The Smiths 
references still stand proud in Martin Rossiter's voice and the dry wit 
of lyrics such as "O Lover"'s--"They're only broken plates / at least it's 
not your face that has to be Replaced"--along with grooves that slink as 
The Style Council's once did. And their resolve is similarly undiminished 
according to the 10CC-style hobo-country-reggae of "We'll Get What We 
Deserve". But it's the quietly epic "Does He Have a Name?" and "A Simple 
Request" --in which Rossiter pleads "When will I start happening for 
me?"--which assure that Gene have lost none of their grace or charm. If 
anything the slow-burning magic here suggests Gene thrive on all the 
blows life throws at them. --Dan Gennoe 




A music fan

Gene have come up with a more sophisticated sound without losing their 
unique identity. The switch in record labels seems to have paid off with 
a recording of excellent quality, which is why it's a pity that Libertine 
doesn't include the brilliant 'Rising for Sunset'. Nevertheless the boys 
go from strength to strength and without a weak track on it, Libertine 
may even be their best yet. Keep em coming lads! 




olympians.online@ukonline.co.uk

Deemed by many to have 'gone away', Gene show that although the music 
press may go quiet on you for a while, it doesn't mean that you're not 
preparing a gem of a new album all along. And that 's exactly what 
'Libertine' is - a darker, less guitar orientated collection of tunes 
than previous records that is driven primarily by the bass and drums and 
which, after several listens, infects the very brain of the listener. 
Top tracks - the seedy opener (and up coming single) 'Does He Have A 
Name?', and the brooding, explosive-chorused 'Spy In The Clubs'. If 
you've never bought any Gene records before, treat yourself today to 
Libertine. If you have bought Gene before, buy several copies of it. 





terryj@npgco.com

I doubt that Gene will ever surpass the brilliance of their second album, 
"Drawn to the Deep End." But "Libertine" comes close. 
I don't hear the Smiths influence so much anymore (which is good), but I 
do hear a more mature, polished sound, with string quartets embellishing 
the mood when need be. Similarly, Martin doesn't scream at the top of his 
lungs anymore (again, which is good), yet songs like "Walking in the 
Shallows" tell you that these guys can still rock out. And Martin's 
lyrics are brilliant in describing the agony of lost love. 
I'm a rarity -- a Gene fan in America. Most people here have never heard 
of Gene. Same for Suede and Pulp, unfortunately. But I'll go to my death 
convinced that British rock beats American rock anyday, and Gene are 
still great purveyors of my favorite type of music. Let's hope they keep 
going for awhile. 



www.lewisslade.com/genemusic