Released in 2002, Up the Bracket felt like a much-needed shot of adrenaline for British guitar music. Produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, it arrived at a time when things were feeling a bit stagnant, and suddenly here were these two frontmen, Pete Doherty and Carl Barât, who looked and sounded like they’d just stepped out of a Dickensian time machine. It’s a chaotic, romantic, and utterly shambolic debut in the best possible way.

The style is pure garage rock – raw, lo-fi, and incredibly energetic. It’s got a “first take” feel to it, as if the band were just about to fall apart at any moment but were held together by the strength of the tunes. It sounds like a night out in a London pub that starts with poetry and ends in a scuffle. There’s a distinct mix of punk aggression and melodic 60s pop that makes the whole record feel both nostalgic and completely new.

The title track “Up the bracket” is a relentless burst of energy that perfectly sets the tone, while “Time for heroes” became a genuine anthem for a generation of indie kids. “Death on the stairs” is another great example of their ability to wrap a catchy hook inside a layer of fuzzy guitar noise. It’s an album full of rough edges, but that’s exactly where the charm lies.

Up the Bracket is still such a fun listen because it’s so full of life. It’s an album about friendship, London, and the romantic idea of “Albion.” Even if the band’s later history got a bit messy, this record remains a pure expression of their chemistry. It’s a wild ride that makes you want to pick up a guitar and start a band with your best mate.