Arctic Monkeys return with new single - REVIEW

Arctic Monkeys have returned with new track ‘Opening Night’, as part of the War Child ‘Help (2)’ album release.

Alex Turner’s instantly recognisable vocals can be heard for the first time since their last release, ‘The Car’, in 2022.

Arctic Monkeys performing at Emirates Old Trafford in 2023 - Image by Natasha Judge

‘Opening Night’ definitely has musical undertones of their last album ‘The Car’ and experimental elements of ‘Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino’. The building guitar at the beginning of the track has almost a Fleetwood Mac feel to it.

The slower rock guitar riff against Turner’s lyrics is quintessentially Monkeys, and there is a particularly excellent build within harmonies on the last chorus.

Lyrically, though quite mysterious and ambiguous, it seems to comment on self awareness both in sense of your own reactions, and ultimately within the world and its everchanging uncertain climates. The start of the track especially, highlights burdens that can be felt when staying silent in positions of adversity

He sings: “Popular slogans and a bucket of paint

Supercomputer on a jolly crusade

Massaging your forearms, holding your gaze

Stealing your thunder, washing your brain

Trying not to wake up sleeping dogs, just because

You're a lonely little hall of famer”

The catchy chorus feels indie sleeze at its core, and whether it’s a start of new music or a standalone piece from the band, it’s certainly worth a listen.

There has been much online speculation about the future of the group, a potential solo album from Turner over the last year, however nothing has been directly announced yet.

Many hope the Sheffield group will continue releasing more music, and we optimistically wish for a future tour, after three years since their last time on the road. Especially given their debut album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not’ turns 20 this year!

This new single is one of a 24 track heavily infused indie rock album, featuring the likes of Fontaines D.C., Pulp, Depeche Mode, and The Last Dinner Party.

The album closes with a track from Olivia Rodrigo, and there are multiple accompanying videos filmed in the studio, from children’s perspectives.

This will be the second Help album, the first was released in 1995 featuring the likes of Oasis, Sinead O’Connor, The Stone Roses, and the one and only song by The Smokin’ Mojo Filters - which featured Paul McCartney, Noel Gallagher, and Paul Weller.

The Help (2) album is to be released on March 6, further information can be accessed here.