ALBUM OF THE WEEK
ALEX TURNER obviously knows what he is doing. The Arctic Monkeys’ frontman transformed the Sheffield band from whip smart indie rockers to worldbeating festival headliners.
But 2018’s Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino – which he produced, citing David Bowie, Scott Walker and Serge Gainsbourg as an influence – divided fans.
The Car accelerates towards the baroque chamber pop of its predecessor, where lush strings replace gritty guitars. Lyrically, especially on There’d Better Be A Be A Mirrorball, Body Paint and Mr Schwartz, the 36 year old references the metamorphosis and the travails of his lifestyle. On another track, Big Ideas, he sings ‘the band were so excited... now the orchestra’s got us all surrounded and I can’t remember how it goes.’
Turner may be brave but not infallible. He sings now in an arch, unappealing semi-croon. Live, he is all ironic rock star poses with little apparent enthusiasm for past glories as evidenced by Arctic Monkeys’ performance at Electric Picnic.
He steers The Car gazing into his rock star navel, neither it, the journey or destination prove as interesting as he thinks.