The What Became of the Likely Lads EP serves as a ramshackle, bittersweet footnote to the roller coaster saga of the Libertines. Nearly as self-reflexive as the band's second album was, the EP is bookended by two versions of Pete Doherty and Carl Barat's love/hate song to their friendship and camaraderie; in between are appropriately shambling -- but somehow captivating -- live tracks from their June 3, 2004, Brixton date, one of the last dates the band played with Doherty before his drug and legal problems made Barat decide that the Libertines had to go on (if only briefly) without Pete. The live versions of Skag and Bone Man and Boys in the Band are particularly electrifying, capturing the almost-falling-apart tension of the band's performances. Mick Jones' mix of Don't Look Back Into the Sun cements the EP's feeling of being a (mostly) fond farewell. Though the Libertines' goodbye release feels a little contrived, it's still pretty affecting -- and shows, once again, how much of the band's art reflected their life, and vice versa. ~ Heather Phares, All Music Guide