PLACEBO burst into the nation's consciousness in 1997 with their gloriously venomous breakthrough single, Nancy Boy - and memorably confused countless Top Of The Pops viewers as to exactly what gender androgynous singer Brian Molko was.

But despite winning a legion of devout fans, none of their subsequent albums have broken the mould of that debut, or equalled it. Now, rather than re-hash the old formula again for album number four, Sleeping With Ghosts sees the three-piece draft in Massive Attack/UNKLE producer Jim Abbis to bring an electronic edge to their trademark dark art-punk sound. And given that they've always been in debt to Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Bowie anyway, it works seamlessly, the loops, synths and beats bringing new dimensions and new interest to their music. However, though Abbis's input has revitalised the music, and they've always been a storming and powerful rock band, Molko's songwriting and vocal style are still limited, with no one track clamouring for attention. Placebo may have found new inspiration, but it remains to be seen whether they will win new fans beyond the loyal black-clad, angst-ridden following.

Updated: 16:48 Wednesday, March 26, 2003