Tuesday 14/07/09 Placebo @ The Roundhouse, Camden

Television cameras might supposedly add ten pounds, but they sure as hell guarantee fantastic sound and a comfortable venue for Placebo on their night of this iTunes festival. Sadly, these electronic eyes also result in a clinical performance devoid of the usual charm and cheek of Molko and co.

Filming also has an effect on the set list and Placebo tonight don't miss the chance to promote new album 'Battle for the Sun'. And though 'Lullaby' and 'Ashtray Heart' are performed with more clarity and confidence than previous outings, they still lack the poignancy of the gems of old. Still, this is somewhat lost on the largely non-regular fans, who have all received tickets through a lottery system and so just seem happy to be there.

Luckily, newbie 'Battle for the Sun' carries a little more punch and followed swiftly by instant swaggering classic 'For What its Worth', represents the best of the new material on offer tonight. The obligatory songs now follow with 'Dry Your Eyes', 'Follow the Cops back home' and even 'Every Me, Every You' slipping by a little flatly. Only 'Special Needs' and a slow starting but frenetic building 'Meds' hints that this is – or-was an angsty trauma causind band.

There's a few more duds before Molko says anything of meaning, introducing 'Special K' with “Here's a song about something I would definitely not recommend.” This leads the set following a rather homoerotic water fight with the drummer, reminiscent of “ a ****ing Bon Jovi video” according to Molko.

A simple encore of 'Infra Red', 'Bitter End' and 'Taste In Men' gives a final push. Yet on the whole its been a largely lackluster evening. Under the scruples and pressures of recording, Placebo have shown themselves as a tired version of their former self. Under other circumstances others, maybe this would not be the case. But it is said say the camera never lies.