The formula of The Kinks still resonate within Dirty Pretty Things, the Carl Barat-formed band after the breakup of The Libertines.  On their latest album, Romance at Short Notice, there is no shortage of the influence.  But that’s ok with us because not only is it a good formula to utilize, it just sounds great with bands who understand it and use it to their fullest potential.  What makes it work well for Dirty Pretty Things is that it sounds so natural with them, as if this band originated the sound in the first place.

Romance at Short Notice is the band’s second full-length, the follow-up to their well- received Waterloo to Anywhere from 2006.  The band’s first giveaway song, “Hippy’s Son” delivers in that true Kinks’ style.  With enough songs in the album to give you a variety of experiences, Romance at Short Notice provides a standard experience.  The album sounds extended from their previous work.  There is a smoky feeling that not enough time was spent on these songs.  There isn’t a standout song in the whole set but that doesn’t make it a bad album, just one that sounds hurried.

I liked Romance at Short Notice but with the promise of Carl Barat, I should have been able to fall in love with it.