Arctic Monkeys - The Car
Domino
The Arctic Monkey's seventh studio album fully fleshes out the aesthetic touched on with their previous project. If it works is a matter of debate, but it certainly places the listener in a specific mindset - sometimes this IS the reason for a piece's existence. But is that enough to render it worthwhile and, most importantly, worth your time?
As stated in the opening paragraph, The Car is a grander exploration of themes and spaces dipped into on previous project 'Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino'. A few steps ahead quality-wise it manages more well-worked soundscapes and trickles of experimentation. The spacious use of strings in relationship to crunched-up, fuzzed-out guitar add a soothing sense of dynamics which feels fresh even for a second-time-round kind or ordeal. Cavernous and commanding 'Sculptures of Anything Goes' poses in an overpowering and towering stance. Looking down from the mountaintop it surveys your every move - it pinpoints your weaknesses with ease. It unties the hands of time at the flick of a wrist. The only problem with the track is that it doesn't really fit in to what came before or what comes after - it's a standalone piece on an album with a clear aesthetic and theme. A strange creative decision when it comes to the overall flow and soul of the project.
Somewhere between smooth and somber The Car, for the most part, sits back and watches itself unfold. Like sitting back relaxed, feet up, the world passes by on its own accord. The smell of bourbon and old books float by the scene. What comes up comes out. But no hurry, eternity has enough time on its hands to give us a few moments.
As much as I like the album and it's lounge-like, hotel lobby malaise; can we start a petition to set Matt Helders free? You get the feeling that he's itching to slam on a Monkeys track. One of the finest and most energetic drummers post-2000 is now working with scraps and taps. Although there are many things to like, maybe even love, about The Car, it certainly has its shortcomings. One of the main gripes will come in the form of it feeling a bit phoned in at times - songwriting can feel stuck and uninspired, clunky if you will. The musicianship is great, but also can feel like it has more to give, as if it knows it can be pushed much further and do much more - it's as if it's been tied down by creative restraints. Held back by an invisible force, it lacks any real power. The singles were the singles for a reason - selling the album with any other tracks on it would've been an absolute nightmare.
It's decent, but can come off as songs for songs sake at times - a little underwhelming on the forward thinking front, The Car feels like it's stuck in first gear.
