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The Last Shadow Puppets
The Age Of The Understatement
Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner and Miles Kane for the Rascals are going to have a party - but it's a serious one where a worthy cause gets a mention in among the drinks, canapés and chatter.
It's not too difficult to scrape away at the influences of their album, The Age of The Understatement. In a dozen tracks it's packed with melodrama, confidence and attempted wit. Yes, these guys are musical but they want you to know they’re having fun.
And this is perhaps where the album falls down. It's too achingly-self-conscious of its roots, too concerned with acknowledging its musical origins to be completely cut free and original.
There's an early David Bowie sound coursing through the veins of this album. And Scott Walker from the Walker Brothers adds the lush sounds of the late 60s to become their mentor.
Both Turner and Kane are only 22. They are undoubtedly successful and talented and The Last Shadow Puppets apparently was recorded in just two weeks in a studio in France. Perhaps that's just showing off a bit because it's so polished and mature it misses any edge of rawness.
These guys seem happy with the cards life has dealt them and there's little angst on show. They're happiest still when doing more up-tempo tracks but having said that, Black Plant and The Chamber are quickly forgotten.
This is not a butch or blokey album and it jumps from tango beats to full orchestral verdant sounds.
Calm Like You is a standout track but taken as a whole, it's difficult not to conclude the boys think they are the first people to discover Scott Walker and they're going to crank up the volume to force everyone to listen.
It's done with a smile on their face but even infectious enthusiasm can be annoying.
MegaStar says: Yes, we've heard Scott Walker before, honestly
They say: 'Widescreen, billowy and bombastic these arrangements may be, but there’s no room for camp orchestral flam.' NME
Best Track: Calm Like You – enjoy the lyrics and learn
