Average User Rating: 80% (28 Reviews)
4 / 5	The Age Of Understatement B. Wright (Gloucester, UK) - 21 April 2008 This is a very solid album, surprisingly good considering it's only a 'side project'. You don't need to be an Arctic Monkeys or Rascals fan to appreciate it, though if you don't like Alex Turner's voice then it won't be for you; he takes on the majority of vocal duties. Full of (mostly) subtle orchestration and vocal harmonies, it sounds at times quite like the music you'd expect to find in a movie, perhaps a Bond soundtrack (listen to the intro to 'In My Room' and you'll understand). Most of the tracks have a frantic, energetic pace to them, particularly the title track and 'Black Plant'. Imagine the Arctic Monkeys, playing acoustically with an orchestra backing them and you've probably got a decent idea of the sound. The album is just as good when they slow the songs down and trade vocals, like in the brooding 'I Don't Like You Anymore'. It's more 'mature' and serious than anything they've released though, with the lyrics simpler and less wordy than Alex's usual fare. It's not particularly upbeat, all of the songs are quite dark and moody (though 'Meeting Place' gives a welcome respite from this, if not with the lyrics, at least with a more cheerful sound). This probably won't be as well received as an Arctic Monkeys album, but it's just as good. There's a further depth to it that is lacking sometimes from their normal work, and it's nice to see two artists doing something experimental and different. The title is well chosen; the album is quite understated, definitely one that will grow the more times you listen to it.... Read Full Review »
5 / 5	Arctic Symphonies Tony Floyd "Travis Pickle" (UK) - 23 April 2008 Wow, what an album. These guys are 22. I'm an old fart in my 40s. But I love this record. It's a beautiful headrush of pleasure. The Arctic Monkeys I can take or leave, probably because my ears need a break from staccato guitars and that trebly punky thing. But this is a bold and exhilarating record. I suppose it is Scott Walker-ish (think Seventh Seal) and James Bond-ish (think Chris Cornell's Casino Royale theme song) and Arctic Monkey-ish (Alex Turner's distinctive vocals) but Alex and Miles have done their influences proud and can easily stand up there with the people who served as their inspiration. The first 4 tracks come rushing out of the speakers backed up with a breathless and soaring orchestral accompaniment that is so bombastically over the top you can only grin at its sheer joie de vivre (did I really say that?). Thereafter the quality control wobbles a bit, though I'd say it's only a couple of tracks that are not that great, but things rapidly improve again and the album ends on another, though less thunderous, high. ... Read Full Review »
3 / 5	Not really for me. L. Atkinson (London, England) - 23 April 2008 Reading the other reviews, I feel like this album is a tad overrated. Maybe it's because I was anticipating it so eagerly, but I find it's a very particular style and not as much of a 'classic' as people are making it out to be. Like 5 out of 5.....really?! The title track 'Age of the Understatement' - I love. The production is beautifully done, and it gallops along with a real ease and lightness of touch despite it being quite a complex track. However the rest of the album is a bit of a let down for me. I feel as though some of the tracks are a bit rushed and are not as catchy and well crafted as 'Age of....' and most of the Monkeys' stuff. Apart from that, I'd say the next best tracks are probably Standing Next To Me and My Mistakes Were made For You. A lot of the tracks for me are quite unremarkable and some of the lyrics baffling. I mean I usually like Turner's clever and witty lyrics but the chorus on 'Separate and Ever Deadly' for example - 'Save me from the secateurs/I'll pretend I didn't here/Can't you see I'm a ghost in the wrong coat, biting butter and crumbs.' What's all that about...maybe it's just me! In conclusion though, I would applaud Turner and Kane for sticking to the courage of their conviction and making a record that clearly contains a lot of passion. I just think a lot of the songs are quite samey and I'm not sure it is much more than a pastiche of a kind of music the boys obviously love. A lot of people clearly disagree though...so maybe it's just a matter of taste...or giving it a few more listens.... Read Full Review »
4 / 5	Big and Bold Jr Teague "weag" (Warwick Uni) - 8 April 2008 I've heard live recordings of about 3/4 of the album and unlike some people (Mr. Ms. J ahem ahem) havent written this review on a stupid hatred(Stop hating a band because their popular people, and start listening to the music!) and I must say it is pretty damn good. Its a bold direction for Mr Turner that has resulted in the production of even bolder tunes! Probably not up to the Arctic's standard but the live demos sound good so fingers crossed! ... Read Full Review »
2 / 5	Think Roger Moore...... D. Money (Manchester) - 25 April 2008 Firstly, let me say I'm a big Arctic Monkey's fan and really wanted to enjoy this piece of work. However, after a week of listening, the over-riding emotion is one of disappointment. Certainly it's by no means woeful, like other projects undertaken by Mr Turner's contempories, but I think it's an attempt to satisfy a personal desire, as opposed to regale itself on the ears of his fans. The sounds, is playful, quirky and reminiscent of a 1960's soundtrack to a Roger Moore movie. Think, The Saint meets Casino Royale. Indeed, it sounds like Mr Turner is collaborating with John Barry instead of Miles from The Rascals. However, for me, its a big let down. The only strong track on the album is the opening track, and it can be no coincidence they released the album soon after the single was being heard on the airwaves. These record companies aren't daft!!! In conclusion, well worth a listen, but I'd be surprised if any Arctic Monkeys fans still have it in their CD players in a weeks time....... Read Full Review »