Review Summary: It was You and Me and Miles Kane...
It is this writer’s belief that Alex Turner has never released a bad album. Or even an average album. All things considered, neither has Miles Kane. Both brilliant songwriters, both relatively boring characters, Turner more so than Kane. All the more fascinating then, that they have conjured up this interesting snapshot of something which veers between gritty realness and dreamlike hallucinations.
To start with the largest issue, the album is strangely paced, opening with three south-of-mid-tempo tunes. Great songs, as is the case for most of the album, but the pace drags the listener to a dreamlike state. This would set the stage nicely for an up-tempo number as the fourth track, but instead we have one of the slowest of the album with the title track. The album continues this way with only the likes of “Bad Habits” to break things up. But this is the style of the album and was doubtless the intention of the two songsmiths.
My favourite part of the album is, without a doubt, Miles Kane’s vocals. He adds a level of light and shade which Turner is unable to accomplish alone or with Matt Helders. His snarl on “Bad Habits” is an album highlight and must have left Turner wishing he could unleash his vocals in the same way. Turner is no slouch in the vocal department, but is simply naturally far more limited than Kane in his abilities. His tone is unmistakeable though and sets certain songs off perfectly, such as the trance-like “The Dream Synopsis”.
The songs here are a definite step up from their debut. Admittedly, the surprise element carried by the first record is gone, but in a side by side comparison, this is a definite improvement in song-writing quality. Some may lament the lack of strings here compared to the debut, but this can be attributed to a natural evolution in style. Going as far as to use the word “maturity” would be a step too far. The natural evolution here was predictable, especially given Turner’s predilection for evolving through styles in the Arctic Monkeys. The songs retain Turner’s natural way with a hook, adding in Kane’s experience and natural way with a 60’s vibe.
Turner’s lyrics are on-point as always. In all honesty, the majority of the album’s appeal comes down to Turner’s lyrics. Particular lyrical highlights are every single song on this album, with the possible exception of “Sweet Dreams, TN” (“everyone’s a dick without you baby” is probably the weakest point of Alex Turner’s lyrical portfolio). The highlight of Turner’s lyrical abilities on this album is “The Dream Synopsis”. What should be a mishmash of visions and juxtapositions turns out to be a perfectly sculpted series of anecdotes from the subconscious of Alex Turner.
While there are definitely some pacing issues and perhaps a single song of filler, this is a solid improvement on the debut album and continues Turner’s spotless track record. This is also the best album that Miles Kane has ever put his name to. I await the third album with tensely bated breath.
Recommended:
- The Dream Synopsis
- Bad Habits
- Aviation
