Arctic Monkeys

leave your preconceptions at the door because a lot has changed in the 5 years between 2013’s ‘am’ & this one; an album that’s tightly focused on alex turner & his piano, evolving from their rock anthems of yore to a more contemplatively paced set of soulful lounge-pop ballads.

intent on continuing to explore new musical terrain with each album, turner & company up the ante in a big way; this is a bold & brilliant record reflecting alex’s ever more comprehensive creative vision. fans of father john misty’s ‘pure comedy’ will find a lot to love here, on an album that shares much dna with the oeuvre of serge gainsbourg, as well as fellow sheffielders, Richard Hawley & pulp. “it’s brilliant & surprising stuff, which goes on to succeed in making oblique socio-political commentary both vivid & fun” 4/5 – mojo.