Arctic Monkeys dropped “Body Paint,” the second single from their highly anticipated 7th album, “The Car.” While it may not satisfy fans who were hoping for a return to the raw energy of their breakthrough hit “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” or the pop appeal of their most recent album “AM,” the track reveals a new level of sophistication and depth in the band’s sound.
Alex Turner‘s sharp lyricism shines through as he reflects on a failed relationship in lines like “For a master of deception and subterfuge, you’ve made yourself quite the bed to lie in.” The metaphor of body paint adds a layer of visual poetry, describing the marks left on a lover’s skin from a secret affair.
The song’s standout feature is its string arrangement, which provides an emotional backbone to the track. Matt Helders‘ drumming, usually known for its sheer power, is also impressive as he delivers delicate patterns that perfectly complement the piano playing.
“Body Paint” is a more accessible offering than the band’s previous single, which bodes well for the upcoming album release. The track shows that Arctic Monkeys are unafraid to continue to evolve their sound and defy expectations. For fans of Turner‘s breakup songs, “Body Paint” will not disappoint.
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