THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS: DREAM SYNOPSIS EP (REVIEW)

It seems the release of their second album, ‘Everything You’ve Come To Expect’, and consequential world tour wasn’t quite enough for the illusive oddball pair that is Turner and Kane. They sign off their successful year back together as The Last Shadow Puppets with the release of their ‘Dream Synopsis’ EP. It’s packed with re-worked album tracks and several covers that have become a customary part of their setlists this past year. Released on 2nd December 2016 this record effectively serves as a momentary ‘sayonara’ from the Puppets. I’m sure they’ll be back to their mischievous and devilishly charming ways again in the near future after Alex has a solid stint back with Arctic Monkeys. Roll on album number six from AM and as for TLSP I guess all that’s left to say is farewell, it’s been a pleasure!

The EP kicks off with a re-mastered version of ‘Aviation’ that realistically, if stuck on in the background, wouldn’t raise too many eyebrows. Only when you sit and pay close attention will you hear the slight variations in detail throughout the track, various additional effects and impressive string arrangements. The track, in essence, is a raw studio version of its album produced twin. What predominantly sets it apart from the original is its ‘live’ feel; you can really hear the strings coming through and the main riff taking a backseat. Being a fan favourite it’s inclusion on this EP is no surprise

Probably the most striking track of the EP though, has to be ‘Les Cactus’. A cover that is bound to send linguistic experts across the world into an unbearable cringe frenzy. The track gives us a taste of Alex Turners bi-lingual capabilities as the pair tackle a tounge in cheek cover of a Jacques Dutronc classic. Who could have predicted a cover of this stature, let alone unleashing Alex Turner on some French vocals, but they have and it’s fucking incredible. What a journey Alex has taken, making his mark as a mischievous little scamp from Sheffield back in 2005 morphing into this suave, sophisticated English/ French double agent. They’ve taken a classic song and bent the rules, reworking it into a beatles-esque masterpiece. It’s devilish, daring and psychotic. The accompanying music video is a must watch bursting with ‘world peace’ linen shirts, aviator glasses, vintage decor and some seriously questionable dancing. Don’t even try to piece that image together in your head.

An unexpected course deviation from their usual dramatic musical tendencies seems to be on the cards and this continues into the next track with a cover of The Falls - ‘Totally Wired’. This, like Les Cactus, has a very prominent rock and roll feel to it with much more velocity and power behind the delivery. Miles Kane is often subject to what is perceived as a ‘supporting role’ in the wake Alex Turner’s lavish ego. This perception is, however, nothing but a misconstrued ideal constructed by those who have been drawn towards TLSP for no other reason than being a fan of Arctic Monkeys. The inclusion of the aforementioned ‘Totally Wired’ and their cryptic take on Glaxo Babies ‘This is Your Life’, illuminate Kane’s vital contribution to the band. His pivotal role is arguably overlooked but these tracks certainly do the indie rock bachelor the justice he deserves.

The next track has a rather unintended shiver to it. Released just weeks before his death, TLSP put together a cover of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Is This What You Wanted’. It’s inadvertently both relevant and emotional, serving as a humble ode to one of music’s finest writers. Has the Turner/Kane partnership dipped their toe’s into some clairvoyant witchcraft over the past year? This cover has a chilling feel behind it, as if they knew Cohen’s last moments were drawing close. A perfect track for Alex to take lead, it effortlessly accentuates his vocals in an intimate, elegant and bold yet soft manner. From one great songwriter to another, this track is more than just the music, it’s a respectful acknowledgement of class.

We’re rarely lost for words but this masterpiece genuinely leaves us speechless every time. Having just paid homage to a great songwriter, it’s only fitting that we then hear an original from Turner himself. EP title track ‘Dream Synopsis’ is a vulnerable and insightful peak into the inner workings of one of this generations best musicians. A demonstration of Alex Turner’s development across the years into the diversely majestic musician he is today. Poetic purity, graceful flow and assertive delivery, he’s certainly set the bar high. We can’t wait to see where his masterful brain takes us next as we all eagerly await, beady eyed and poised ready for his next move.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf5apyds8Xk