This goth-y, glam-rocking London trio — who have won big audiences in the U.K. and South America — know from heaviness: Their sixth album includes lyrics about suicide and big-ass choruses that could go on an emo record. Placebo work up a widescreen electronic sheen on their new disc; the sleazy, sex-crazed disco burner "For What It's Worth" suggests they have a sparer, spikier pop album in them. But too many songs ("Devil in the Details") are full of bombast and bland angst, as if these smart guys know better but can't help themselves.

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CHRISTIAN HOARD

(Posted: Jun 22, 2009)