Arctic Monkeys’ latest album, *The Car*, marks their first release in four years and continues the experimental path set by *Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino*. The album is filled with lush orchestration and expansive production, offering a more reflective and atmospheric experience rather than the hard-hitting rock rhythms fans might remember from their earlier works. Drummer Matt Helders had hinted at this change months before the album’s release, setting expectations that the days of heavy riffs were behind them.
Frontman Alex Turner reflects on the band’s evolving sound, admitting that revisiting their earlier, grittier style feels inauthentic now. He notes that every attempt to recapture past vibes quickly starts to feel like a parody of themselves. Instead, Turner emphasizes that the band has been following the same creative instincts that guided them in their early days, even if the results sound different now.
Turner openly acknowledges the absence of the catchy guitar riffs that defined the Arctic Monkeys’ earlier music. While he recognizes that some fans may be disappointed, he remains unapologetic, highlighting that their old records are still available for those seeking that nostalgia. However, for those willing to embrace the band’s new artistic direction, *The Car* offers a rich, moody soundscape. Tracks like “Perfect Sense” showcase Turner’s refined falsetto, while others like “Body Paint” and “Hello You” introduce a bit more energy into the mix, though overall the album leans heavily into a melancholy and subdued tone.
Critics who weren’t sold on the Monkeys’ pivot with *Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino* might not find much to love here, but for fans who appreciated that shift, *The Car* is a natural progression. Turner’s lyrics continue to explore cryptic themes, blending autobiography with fiction in ways that remain open to interpretation. Although his sharp lyrical wit still shines through in moments, the overall narrative feels more abstract and introspective.
One thematic thread running through *The Car* is an ongoing fascination with show business, as Turner weaves references to cinema, musical theater, and orchestration throughout his lyrics. In one track, Turner whimsically imagines a Napoleon film script being adapted by the makers of Lego Batman, reflecting his penchant for combining lofty artistic references with pop culture.
Turner also touches on his past with video games, revealing that he hasn’t played in years, having stepped away after getting deeply involved in the immersive world of *Metal Gear Solid*. His interests now seem firmly rooted in the realm of music and creativity, moving beyond the influences of his younger years.
As the Arctic Monkeys prepare to tour again, performing both new and old material, Turner is aware of the evolution his songwriting has undergone since the early days. The once rebellious youth who captured the grit of suburban life has transformed into a more sophisticated artist, drawing inspiration from lounge music and cinematic ballads. Yet, despite the changes, the core of what makes Arctic Monkeys distinct remains intact: their drive to challenge themselves and defy expectations.
*The Car* is out now, and Arctic Monkeys will be touring Australia this December, headlining several East Coast shows and appearing at festivals like Falls Festival, Lost Paradise, and Heaps Good. As the band continues to evolve, it’s clear that they are not interested in merely repeating the past, but rather in carving out new spaces for their music to inhabit.
Amos Kefas