It's been eight years since The Last Shadow Puppets released their fine debut The Age of the Understatement, so what's changed since then? Well, Alex Turner's Arctic Monkeys have become even bigger, going on to conquer audiences partial to intelligent, populist indie-rock across the globe.
Former Rascals frontman Miles Kane’s solo career has been mildly successful. Producer James Ford continues to work predominantly in the shadows, and they’ve also added a new member – bassist Zach Dawes of Los Angeles band Mini Mansions – to their line-up.
But really, though, what’s changed? Actually, not that much. Despite its status as one of the most eagerly anticipated follow-ups of 2016, this is an album that offers few surprises.
They've once again enlisted Owen Pallett to fill out their compositions with grandiose string arrangements, best heard sweeping through the likes of Aviation and the theatrical title track, which sees Turner sing the brilliant line: "Dirtbag ballet by the bins down the alley / As I walk through the chalet of the shadow of death".
But those of stellar, ear-catching lines that Turner usually churns out for fun are surprisingly fewer and farther between here, although he and Kane take turns providing vocals on their rake of dashing, villainous songs that alternately sound like they've been lifted from a 1950s diner jukebox (standout track Miracle Aligner, Sweet Dreams TN), a 1960s beat group or a Bond soundtrack from the 1970s (Bad Habits, Aviation), while Dracula Teeth adds a dash of glam rock for good measure.
All this to say that that heady brew is enjoyable – but didn’t we hear it all on their debut? In that sense, then yes – it’s exactly what we’ve come to expect from The Last Shadow Puppets.
