After last week’s ridiculous Arctic Monkeys announcement, this solo EP from the main man is a wondrous surprise. More reminiscent of his Last Shadow Puppets work than anything the Monkeys have done, this is the perfect platform for him to demonstrate a newfound maturity to his voice.
At times the lyrics are not up to scratch, but are more likely to work within the settings of the eponymous film it soundtracks - the acclaimed 'Submarine', out this Friday in the UK. The stand out track on here is most definitely 'Piledriver Waltz' with its swirling melody and highlighted with strings arranged by Owen Pallet.
This short but sweet offering really demonstrates the delicacy of Turner's song writing ability, and reminds us of the talent that was apparent on the first Arctic Monkeys release, the ability to turn the simplest idea into a beautiful lyric. Case in point here is the lyric “You look like you’ve been for breakfast at the Heartbreak Hotel, and sat in the back booth by the pamphlets and the literature on how to lose”. Listen to 'Piledriver Waltz' in the "trailer" below.
Maybe Alex has found his true calling as a solo artist, this is far better than anything that the Monkeys have put out in recent years, and by the sound of 'Brick By Brick', I may suggest he give up the day job.
Purchase the 'Submarine' EP from Domino Records. The new Arctic Monkeys album is due in June.
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