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Arctic Monkeys "Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino" Album Review

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Written by Kaitlyn Monroe

Music and its makers are constantly changing and evolving, keeping things fresh and original to themselves. We all love the badass Greaser guys of Arctic Monkeys, but with their new album “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” they’ve brought with them a new 70’s like gimmick with a softer, more heartfelt, soul type sound.

The first song on the album, “Star Treatment”, really sets you up and prepares you for the new vibes of Arctic Monkeys. The song starts with a light vocal, and hushed tones, but the guitar is going strong with its deep, low, and mesmerizing riffs. It’s not hard to get lost in lead vocalist Alex Turner's soft soothing ballads, and you’ll be hooked on the band once again. I took note of “One Point Perspective” for the fact that this particular song put me into Mission Impossible, with 007 himself: James Bond. Let me explain. This is a very mellow song with a piercing piano melody. When I listened to it, the song took me to a scene where Bond would be walking into a bar, and he’d have his smoldering look and he’d order his scotch on the rocks, take a sip, and look around the room. While he’s looking, a striking brunette catches his eye, and gives him the “come and get me look” that makes him start to walk over to her and leads him to the phrase “Your place, or mine.” with a very well conducted wink. The song screams romance, and tranquility, two descriptions that follow not just the song but the album through and through.

“Four Out Of Five” is a fun one to say the least, the beginning of the song starts with a solo piano that leads into a pinging noise that fills your ears and leads you into the song. The lyrics alone make you stop and think. Once the chorus came on I thought I was listening to another version of Hotel California. Turner sings about his hotel, and how wonderful it is, and that we should all join them in the fun.Unlike Hotel California, this is not a love song. Someone had left a Four out of Five star review on the hotel and as Turner puts it he “won’t stand for it.” so he’s trying to build back up his reputation and have a better start, so maybe there’s some self reflection in this one.

Although Arctic Monkeys have traded in their combs and slicked back hair for a new, maturing look, traces of the old can be found running amok in the new. “She Looks Like Fun” is a perfection combination of the old greaser vibes and the new schmoozer vibes. It mixes the soft soul vocals of the new with the raging instrumentals of the old. It’s a match made in heaven. This song is constantly changing pace and pitch, pushing and pulling you in every directions, but once Turner gets his short guitar riff you're caught in the song hook, line, and sinker.

Overall I enjoyed Arctic Monkeys new album, and after the long hiatus this new groove they’ve got going on is a turn for the better and I’m sure it will be a surprise for us all to see where they’re going to go after this one.

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