Placebo ‎– Black Market Music VG/VG+

Placebo’s “Black Market Music” isn’t a catchy, radio-friendly single. It’s a deeper cut, a collection of dark hooks that sink in with repeated listens.

The album opens with a distorted, pulsating energy, like “Taste in Men” with its trance-like vibe. It throws punches with fast-paced drumming and Brian Molko’s signature, passionate vocals. But “Black Market Music” isn’t all breakneck rock. There are softer, moodier moments like “Passive Aggressive” that showcase the band’s introspective side.

The album isn’t afraid to explore unexpected territory. “Spite and Malice” merges Britpop with a surprising rap feature, while “Haemoglobin” ventures into haunting, robotic territory. Whether it’s glam rock influences, new wave explorations, or even a punk snarl, “Black Market Music” keeps the listener guessing with its genre-bending soundscapes.