Alex Turner’s introduction into a solo career is one of the most understated and unexpected ever. The Arctic Monkeys frontman next week releases his first ever set of solo songs, but rather than releasing them in his own right he’s written them as part of a contribution towards the soundtrack of Submarine, the directorial debut of British cult comedy star Richard Ayoade.
Listening to the five tracks he’s recorded for Submarine makes me glad that he waited this long to release anything as a solo artist. Over the three Arctics albums and the one with Last Shadow Puppets he has gradually improved his singing and on Arctic Monkeys’ last album Humbug he proved that he truly does have a wonderful voice. In these stripped down songs that he’s made for Submarine that voice carries them all and Turner sounds better than ever.
The full EP has been put up here on YouTube but is likely to be pulled soon, since it is not set for official release until next week, but for now enjoy it. For a little taster, listen to my personal favourite, the final track “Piledriver Waltz.”
