The Last Shadow Puppets

If you do not know the genius lyrics of Alex Turner or Miles Kane's gifted brains, then my friend, I am truly sorry for you. While this may lean towards a fluff piece, (a delayed fluff piece at that), it is also a review of an under appreciated band.

The members are Miles Kane (The Rascals and solo career), Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys), Zach Dawes (Mini Mansions), and James Ford (Simian, music producer). They are joined by Tyler Parkford (Mini Mansions) and Loren Humphrey (Guards, music producer). Most of the focus does tend to be on Alex Turner and Miles Kane and their "bromance." But the beautiful harmony of the members with instruments and gorgeous voices will make you a huge fan of all of them. Especially, Mini Mansions. The lead singer/keyboardist Tyler Parkford and drummer Zach Dawes are fantastic in both Mini Mansions and The Last Shadow Puppets.

Some Background History:

In 2007, NME (New Musical Express) Magazine announced Alex Turner, lead singer of Arctic Monkeys, would be joining Miles Kane, lead singer of The Rascals, and James Ford to form a supergroup.

The initial recording of the songs that would eventually form their debut album took place in France, in late August 2007, with additional material added between August and December of that year. In December, Owen Pallett was appointed to arrange the strings, brass and percussion for the album with the 22-piece London Metropolitan Orchestra. During the recording, a film crew was hired to document the efforts.

In 2008, Turner and Kane revealed the name they would call said project: The Last Shadow Puppets. Their first album would be named The Age of the Understatement. The first single off the album of the same name was released on April 14th, a week before the album's release. The album was number one immediately in the UK Music Charts.

Miles Kane (left) and Alex Turner (right), 2008:

Eight years later, fans were getting restless for another album, some abandoning all hope there would be another one. They were rewarded with the release of a single ("Bad Habits"), their first one in eight years, and the next three singles were staggered until their second album named Everything You've Come to Expectwas released.

The group went on tour shortly after the release and were busy around the UK and US.

Information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Shadow_Puppets

http://www.thelastshadowpuppets.com/

How I Came to Find This Band:

Back in 2013, there was this song on the radio. One that they would play every five seconds. Unlike the other songs played with the same treatment, this one was not annoying or overrated. It was a beautifully played melody over catchy lyrics sung by a man with a honey barbecue voice. This song was called, "Do I Wanna Know?" and by a band called Arctic Monkeys. The members were Alex Turner (lead singer), Jamie Cook (guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass guitar), and Matt Helders (drummer, hunk).

Soon, I started to search for more songs and before long, it became an obsession. Arctic Monkeys could be heard when I was driving in my car, on the computer, in the shower, and most importantly when I was walking. At the time, I was battling an alcohol addiction and tough relationship issues with my now husband. Not to mention the daily niggles and naggles of life. Arctic Monkeys music became my escape.

Of course, I couldn't get enough of Turner's voice and followed his soundtrack career... Okay, one soundtrack, but fantastic movie nonetheless called Submarine that featured Yasmin Paige (Maria in The Sarah Jane Adventures). and then his other band, The Last Shadow Puppets.

A couple of years later, we cut to TLSP going on tour. I was very, very excited. I searched all the tour dates and cities for one close to me (Central Indiana), but found none. I was discouraged, yet determined and kept researching prices for tickets to Philadelphia. While I found good prices and deals online, I ultimately decided to skip this tour as the price and time I'd have to take off work would not be justify one night of fun. Maybe they'd go on another one... in eight years. I was sorely disappointed.

Luckily, I kept my eye on tour dates even though I figured I would never be able to go. Luckily they added another tour near me (way closer than Philly). It was in Cleveland, OH in the Agora Theater which is about five and half hours from my place. The drive and price ($30 for a ticket) were easy to justify and soon I was on my way to see my favorite band.

The drive was long, no doubt about it, and while I'm not a great highway driver, I had no problems navigating with the background music. I spent the entire trip trying to memorize the entire CD which I had recently purchased. It kept my mind off heading to a new city of which I had never heard a good word. I parked at my hotel and walked to the venue a half hour early thinking it would not be as crowded as the other concerts I had been to in the past. I was wrong. The line was about a block long and would get longer before we were allowed in the doors. We were teased and bothered by some of the residents. If you've ever been to Cleveland, it's definitely an experience in humanity. There is no real divide between the upper and lower classes. In Indiana, we have some mixture, but not as much. That being said, we found solace in each other and were able to laugh it off without any real drama or incidents.

After an hour in 100+ degree weather, we were able to start moving the lines through the door. The Agora Theater was a deception for sure. From the outside, it looked dilapidated and crude, but inside it was one of the most gorgeous venues I had ever seen.

Agora Theater, 5000 Euclid Ave #101, Cleveland, OH 44103:

I fell in love with this theater and immediately felt a little calmer than outside. With the raucous crowds and my aversion to such crowds, however, the calm dissipated giving way to nerves and negative self-talk. I sat down in a vacant seat and felt my body shake. I needed a drink recognizing the urge.

I grabbed a vodka and cranberry and gulped it down. My throat and stomach burned and my head felt numb. It was the best feeling in that moment. It was still a few minutes til show. I grabbed another one, tipping the pretty biker babe waitress that made a deliciously killer cocktail out of such simple ingredients.

The second drink I nursed and tried to find my seat. Someone had taken it and I had to find another one, but there were no seats so I took a place near the stage. No seat, but a nice spot nonetheless. It was cooler and closer to the actual act. Not too close to get trampled by the crazy fan girls that looked tame, but I was a Benedict Cumberbatch fan and I knew crazy fan girls by sight.

The lights went down and we saw the opening act. I can't remember exactly who it was, but they were awesome. I danced and drank and just relaxed. My tipsy self just floating along enjoying the show.

When the act left the stage, I heard the familiar melody of "Everything You Come to Expect." The band was on stage, Miles killing it on the guitar front and center. Everyone slowly realized thought that Alex was missing. Confusion reigned over the eager audience and then I noticed movement from the corner of my eye. Suddenly all of the crowd looked above me and Alex was standing there in a Cavaliers jersey, singing down to the audience with a strong yet soft voice. The songs continued and I was definitely enjoying myself. Then the third or fourth song, Alex disappeared once again.

Another movement caught my eye, but it wasn't above me. Rather it was right by me, the side stage showed a man. Him. Dark brown eyes greeted me and a playful smile tug at instantly recognizable lips. He put his long fingers to his lips and made a shhh gesture. I smiled back at him, tipsy, a little too tipsy in all honesty. Then trained my attention to the stage as he made his presence known. I was crushed as the other members ran to my side. A woman even pushed me, I pushed back, but she was too focused on Alex. I wanted to hit her, but refrained from it as the women in the audience started to grab Alex. They grabbed his ankle and I panicked for him. I tried to help, but was pinned back by others. Finally after a few very intense seconds, the guards helped him back to the stage and he continued the concert unfazed. Everything went peacefully and the next morning I drove back to Indy.

I did get to see Alex Turner live again at Lollapalooza 2018 in Chicago, IL. It was a way bigger venue since it was outside and there was no intimate moments like the Agora Theater. That said, it was another fantastic concert and memory.

Alex Turner and Arctic Monkeys, Lollapalooza. Chicago, IL. Grant Park:

Other Bands to Check Out:

• Arctic Monkeys—Est. 2002; English; Rock
• Mini Mansions—Est. 2009; Los Angeles band; Glam Rock
• The Katherines—Est. ?; Vancouver trio; Assorted, mostly Indie Pop
• The Rascals—Est. 2007; English band; Rock
• The Little Flames—Est. 2004; English band; Indie Rock