What Became of the Likely Lads

Released in late 2004, 'What Became of the Likely Lads' serves as a poignant coda to the initial era of The Libertines. Coming on the heels of their self-titled second album, this EP centers on a reworked version of the title track, which famously chronicles the public and private dissolution of the partnership between Pete Doherty and Carl Barât. The track's title is a nod to the classic British sitcom, but the content is deeply autobiographical, reflecting on the 'likely lads' they once were. The EP is bolstered by definitive versions of 'Boys in the Band' and 'Time for Heroes,' tracks that epitomize their 'shambolic' aesthetic - a mix of high-brow poetic aspirations and low-brow garage rock execution. Critics often point to this release as the moment the band's internal drama finally eclipsed their musical output, yet the recordings themselves remain some of the most vital artifacts of the post-punk revival. It stands as a essential bridge between their chaotic live reputation and their status as the definitive British indie band of the decade.