Creating a characteristically modern style of garage rock-inspired alternative rock, The Libertines managed to become one of the more popular English bands to emerge out of the post-punk revival movement of the early aughts. Formed in 1997, the group initially built a strong reputation for itself with a gritty, sonic aesthetic and an unpretentious, working class sensibility. As The Libertines started playing more and more shows around the UK, commercial entities parties began to stake interests in the band. Eventually singing with the respectable label Rough Trade, the group was would subsequently enter the studio with Mick Jones of The Clash serving as producer. The sessions ultimately warranted The Libertines first LP, Up the Bracket, in 2002--an album that'd go on to receive noted commercial and critical acclaim. However, the band's 2004 eponymously-titled sophomore release would be responsible for launching The Libertines to the pinnacle of the English rock scene. The trappings of fame were inescapable, though, for the group's two lead songwriters, Carl Barat and Pete Doherty; the later spiraling into a much publicized drug addiction, followed by legal woes. After personal drama and irregulated strife came to a boiling point amid the band's members, The Libertines decided to breakup in 2004. While Barat and Doherty have both gone on to pursue solo careers, they have managed to put their differences to rest on occasion and join forces again as The Libertines every so often to play rare live shows.
