by Henry Percival
A week ago, at the time of writing this, the Arctic Monkeys released their 6th album. Having not released an album since 2013, it is clear to say that the hype and anticipation for the Sheffielders latest work was very high. But did the album actually deliver? For me, yes. I reckon Alex Turner and the gang did a pretty good job.
Upon initial listening to the album, I was sceptical as to whether I would like it. This is mainly due to the whole atmosphere of the album being significantly different to the Arctic Monkeys I am used to. The whole album is much slower than your average and, as the title would suggest, tranquill than their previous albums. This grew much criticism from the broader public, simply due to it is not what they expected. However, upon re listening to the album later, I warmed to this new style. For me, if they had simply released an album that was similar to AM or Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, there would have been just as much complaint. Possible complaint may have come from the fact that they were not willing to try new things. However, this change in tone and atmosphere is a positive thing. It shows that they are willing to try new things, regardless of what the public reception may be. To be honest, that sums up Alex Turner’s approach to many things.
The title of the album refers to what Neil Armstrong said upon landing on the moon. In July 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon. The journey had started four days earlier in Florida, and culminated with the two astronauts landing at a prearranged site Armstrong named ‘Tranquility Base’. And this moon setting is present in some of the songs in their album, notably the title song Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, as well as my personal favourite Four Out Of Five. The former of these songs explores the idea of having a hotel and casino on the moon. The latter explores the idea that there has been an exodus from Earth, and that people have started to gentrify Clavius, which is a crater on the moon. Basically this means that people have departed Earth and started to renovate and improve Clavius. This whole idea of Tuner writing about leaving the Earth to colonise the moon is an interesting thinking point, which he makes seem like a good idea through the songs.
Upon first seeing the track listing of the album, I was somewhat worried. Seeing titles of songs such as The World’s First Monster Truck Front Flip and The Ultracheese lead me to worry about the album. However, these two songs are up there with my favourite in the album. This goes to show that you should not judge a book by its cover. On all of the songs, Alex Turner and his band mates managed to do a class job.
In comparison to other albums, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is most similar to Humbug or Suck It and See, although the former is a bit more drum and guitar heavy, whereas the new album is much more piano focused. Nethertheless, it doesn’t take away from the music produced.
Overall, for me the album is great. All of the band did superb jobs in producing and making the album. I cannot wait to see them live in September, and I would implore to you all that you listen to the album is you have not already.
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