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REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys' 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino'

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After not having an Arctic Monkeys album for five years, they had a lot to live up to for their sixth album, 'Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino'. I had no idea what to expect from this LP, the only thought I had was that, from the tiny preview clip, they might've gone down the Tame Impala-inspired route. I was wrong, very wrong and the album is completely different from what I initially thought it would sound like. At some points it reminds me a little bit of their fourth album 'Suck It And See' but most of all it sounds like nothing they've ever put out. It doesn't even sound reminiscent of Alex Turner's solo escapade for the film 'Submarine' or any of his past ventures as the duo The Last Shadow Puppets. 

At first, when Alex Turner's voice first releases that familiar vocal chord, I am not sure if I actually like it. There's something about the way the backing music supports the vocals that I'm just not sure about at first. But, after listening to the whole of 'Star Treatment', I'm absorbed into this world that Turner, Cook, Helders and O'Malley have created. When I get to 'American Sports', I feel like I've suddenly delved deeper into the way Turner thinks; the intro is mesmerising and the guitar, bass and keyboard compliment his vocals outstandingly. Every song flows effortlessly into the next, as if they've all meticulously thought about the transitions from one to another just as much as they've analysed the chord progressions over and over again.

Photo by Zackery Michael
It's clear to see why Arctic Monkeys wanted this to be listened to from 'Star Treatment' all the way to 'The Ultracheese.' This is an album that we need; an album that isn't overly produced or gimicky and shines by itself with nothing taking attention away from the raw talent of this four piece. It's clear to see they've evolved from their first album, the critically acclaimed 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not,' released way back in 2006. They've gone for a much slower approach this time around, compared to previous albums where they have been known for their fast pace tunes. 

Personally, stand out songs from 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino' have got to be 'Golden Trunks', 'Batphone', 'She Looks Like Fun' and 'The World's First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip.' A strong four stars from me, that's for sure. I can't wait to see how some of these will sound live in September and listen to their new take on the older songs. 

Listen to 'Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino' here
Buy the album here

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