Take the singers from two of the hottest bands around, throw in a whole load of retro influences and a full string section, and you’re going to have something interesting on your hands...
The Last Shadow Puppets is a side project created by Alex Turner from Arctic Monkeys and Miles Kane from The Rascals.
Firm friends ever since Arctic Monkeys toured with Miles’ previous group, The Little Flames, the pair were inspired by listening to Scott Walker, early Bowie and David Axelrod.
The result is debut album The Age of The Understatement, a rousing, string-laden offering with hurtling drums and rich vocals.
Both Alex Turner and Miles Kane are 22, and by the sound of it they’ve loved every minute of their side project, filling each moment with enthusiasm, wit and exuberance.
“It’s boss to be working with your best mate,” says Wirralian Miles. “We’ve been having the best time.
“I love doing the Rascal stuff, but that’s like my day job. This is something we’ve done in our own time, not a band thing, and we’ve had a really good time.”
The album properly began when Miles played some guitar on Arctic Monkeys’ second album, Favourite Worst Nightmare. In early 2007, the pair began to trade songs.
“A couple were already written,” says Miles. “Like Standing Next To Me and In My Room. The first one we did together was called The Chamber, and we took it in turns to do the vocals. It’s good to sing with someone else.”
“We used a few half-hatched things,” says Alex. “It was three-thirds: one third of the songs we started and completed together; one third of the songs Miles started and we finished; one third of the songs I started and we finished. The fact that we were writing together seems to make it stronger. You’re not as exposed as you are if it’s just you on your own. I do like the partnership thing.
“The harmonies were fascinating. I was having discussions with my dad about harmony. He’s a music teacher. This record has really given me a desire to sing more, to practice. I feel like I hold notes for longer now.”
The pair knew from the start that the songs would have strings.
“It’s a dangerous game,” acknowledges Alex. “We could have almost ruined it if it all got too lush.
“I think the strings are terrific, they’ve really brought the songs to life.”
Miles clearly agrees. “I walked into the studio when they were doing Meeting Place, this little song you’ve written in your bedroom is being played by an orchestra. I went cold.”
The album isn’t out until Monday, but already it’s attracted serious media attention. The duo played Later Live with Jools Holland this week, and on Tuesday they play a live session on Radio 1.
Alex already has two phenomenally successful albums under his belt, but The Rascals debut hasn’t even hit the shops yet. Is it difficult to juggle the side project with your main band?
“No, we’re really lucky, we’ve been able to time it well ¬- I wanted to play it so it wouldn’t affect The Rascals,” explains Miles. “I went to South by Southwest with The Rascals, and we’ve just been mastering the Rascal album. I’m doing Shadow Puppets stuff this week, and after that it’s all Rascals again.
“We’ve recorded The Rascal album at Miloco Studios with Ben Hilier (The Horrors, Blur, Doves). We’re really pleased with it.”
But then again, The Rascals have already marked themselves out as ones to watch.
They spent their first three years learning their craft as part of The Little Flames, touring with bands like The Coral, The Zutons and, of course, Arctic Monkeys.
When The Little Flames went their separate ways, three youngest members decided it was time to trust their hearts and their instincts and go it alone.
They were immediately signed to Deltasonic Records and won over an army of fans with their Out of Dreams EP.
“It’s been really mad,” laughs Miles. “Dead, dead quick. But we’re loving it. I can’t believe how lucky we’ve been.”
The Age of The Understatement is out on Monday.