Carl Barat and The Jackals at Scala

With the triumphant comeback gigs of The Libertines in the last few years and upcoming festival appearances this summer, it would have been easy for Carl Barat to take a break from other projects. But he can’t seem to keep away from the stage. His latest musical venture, The Jackals, was formed last year after an advert was placed on Facebook. It might be strange for Barat to be back playing smaller venues like Scala, after packing out Hyde Park last summer, but the venue is filled to the brim and when the band comes on stage after support sets from Trampolene and Asylums, its frontman is filled with energy.

The first tunes are recognisable in their upbeat tempo and jaunty melodies, and the music is surprisingly enjoyable to bob along to. The Jackals have great chemistry; their animated onstage energy is easily matched by the crowd, who are pretty raucous, living up to the lairy Libertines reputation. The excitement launches when, after a few songs, they kick into Up the Bracket classic Death On the Stairs. Carl isn’t ignoring the roots of his success and knows how to please his audience.

The Jackals’ original material is slower, blues-inspired rock, and the smooth sounds coming from the stage win the crowd over effortlessly. With backing singers, a keyboardist, trombones and trumpets, the band are tight and the songs are excellent. Let it Rain and Glory Days are easy highlights. The set is a good mix of Jackals songs, a few Libertines classics and doesn’t forget Dirty Pretty Things’ best hit Bang Bang You’re Dead – and the audience are captivated from start to finish.

Although it might be easy to write The Jackals off as another band who will always live in the shadow of The Libertines, the material speaks for itself, and Barat’s star quality, lyrical talent  and songwriting ability are still very much intact. If you get a chance to catch the band on their upcoming mini-tour, we highly recommend it. You won’t regret it.

Angela Logan

For further information about The Jackals and future events visit here.

Watch the video for Glory Days here: