After 3 years away Placebo released the single “For What It’s Worth” but unfortunately their eagerly awaiting fans did not welcome their return in the manner I’m sure Placebo would have wanted. Many of them felt that for a band on their fifth studio album, the single was sub par. The album I am delighted to say is not. I was not part of the group that showed their disdain towards “For What It’s Worth”, but after hearing the rest of the album I am surprised it was their first release. Songs like, “Ashtray Heart” and “Bright Lights” stand out far more. In fact I could have named a number of other tracks in their place such is the calibre of the rest of album.

Every track gives the listener something different both lyrically and musically. What does not vary is the quality. The production on each song is so tight and polished that I cannot even single out a bad track. “Battle For The Sun” marks the return of Placebo and a band playing at its best but lets just hope we do not need to wait another 3 years for the next installment.

Watch Placebo talk about the album in their own words