Post-Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, Alex Turner and Arctic Monkeys return with another fantastic new single, “Anyways,” in a similar vein.

“Yeah, I’m behind my movie camera / I’ve got my megaphone / You can call me Alexander / It’s nice to meet you all.” Sigh, as hard as it is for me to believe, some folks just weren’t quite as enthusiastic as I was about Arctic Monkeys’ Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.  This was easily among my top albums of 2018, and I stand by my opinion.  Yes, Alex Turner and company went totally weird lyrically and thematically, not to mention incorporating elements of jazz and plenty of piano, but, it’s definitely a distinct LP.  Thankfully, the band released a new single, attached to single “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”, “Anyways.”

Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino | Album Review 💿

For those who were off-put by Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (still don’t understand it!), “Anyways” also might not tickle your fancy.  Why? Turner and company continue to embrace jazz, and lounge vibes on this relaxed ballad.  That said, Turner sounds beautiful, and maybe even more notably, incredibly expressive as he performs each intricate, intellectually stimulating lyric.  As great as the retro, garage/indie-rock/jazzy backdrop is, the lyrics are the crowning achievement.  It’s not every day that the first verse of a song commences with the lyrics, “Just another microcosm somewhere in the ether / Putting the world to rights with Bing Crosby eyes / Oversharing and its bitter aftertaste.” Brilliant.

Final Thoughts

Alex Turner isn’t merely satisfied at referencing the dangers of oversharing information about himself.  On the second verse, he begins with a “Philanthropic toga party,” eventually leading to “Nosebleeds from epiphanies I took full in the face.” What a genius fronting a ‘bloody brilliant’ alternative rock band.  Arctic Monkeys ‘come through’ once more on “Anyways,” and regardless if others won’t ‘Stan’ for the band, I will. Well-produced, well-sung, and lyrically, superb to the nth degree.

Arctic Monkeys » Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino [Single] » Domino » Release: 11.30.18

Photo Credit: Domino