On April 1, the baroque pop and indie rock group The Last Shadow Puppets released their newest album. The band has been active since 2007, but they have not released an album since 2008. This new collection, “Everything You’ve Come to Expect,” has been long awaited and positively received by fans and music-lovers alike. The Last Shadow Puppets currently consists of Alex Turner (of Arctic Monkeys, vocals, guitar), Miles Kane (of The Rascals, vocals, guitar), James Ford (drums, production) and Zach Dawes (bass). Turner and Kane have been collaborating since 2007, and this new album is a compilation of newer and more experimental music.

The sound of The Last Shadow Puppets is a mix of old and new. Much like Turner’s group, Arctic Monkeys, the music is driven heavily by guitar patterns and lines, as well as a mix of ballad and rock drums. Indie pop sounds are countered by the styles of 70s and 80s music. The music is great, though it may be something of an acquired taste. “Everything You’ve Come to Expect” consists of 12 songs, and while the album as a whole is unique and interesting, most of the songs, with a few exceptions, sound rather similar.

Upon first listening to the album, it is almost difficult to remember where each song begins and ends. Many of them have the same pace, and Turner’s vocals are very similar in each song. Nonetheless, a second or third listen to the music makes each tune more distinguishable.

One of the exceptions is the first song on the album, “Aviation.” This song is one of the best on the record; it is faster and more driven, with a catchy guitar melody. Another good song is “The Element of Surprise,” which has some of the best lyrics, such as “Why color in the lines if you’re just painting it black?” The song “Pattern” is appealing, as it has more of a groovy, almost Beatles-esque vibe. The ballads, like “A Dream Synopsis,” are heartfelt and memorable as well.

Overall, the new album is very different from the original The Last Shadow Puppets album, “The Age of the Understatement.” It has a relaxed, comfortable tone that can appeal to fans of any genre. The fact that it takes more than one listen to appreciate each song is something special about this album—there is a strong sense that the band puts out music because they love it, not because they are looking for fame and fortune.

The success of The Last Shadow Puppets can only grow, so keep an eye out for their music in the future. “Everything You’ve Come to Expect” is available as a CD or vinyl, as well as on Spotify and iTunes.