Arctic Monkeys: Opening Night Review

‘Opening Night’ sees Arctic Monkeys return in characteristically understated form, favouring atmosphere and restraint over immediate impact.

Serving as Track One of War Childs Records upcoming compilation, Opening Night marks Arctic Monkeys’ first release in four years, an opener whose title feels knowingly ironic, hinting at a grand arrival while leaning instead toward quiet reflection.

Sonically, it’s relaxed and somehow even more minimalist than The Car, unfolding with coarse, almost robotic percussion paired with delicate finger-picked guitar lines.

As it develops, familiar Monkeys trademarks kick in: Turner’s unmistakable dry demeaner, his measured delivery, and an atmospheric bassline that gently gathers momentum. Rather than breaking into anything impactful, the track settles into a subdued, simmering peak that feels intentionally held back.

There’s a sense of Humbug and The Car woven into its DNA, yet it lacks the bite of the former and the jazzy charm of the latter. The uninspiring first verse takes its time to settle, making the track feel somewhat demanding, but the chorus brings much-needed character and movement, grounding the song and giving it shape.

Although, it’s growing on me with every listen, it’s just not something that lingers emotionally or that I see myself itching to return to months down the line, ultimately it feels a little diluted.

That said, this isn’t an album track, and its restraint might simply suit the wider project. I’m not someone clinging onto the band’s past, in fact I’m one of few TBHAC/ The Car lovers, but Opening Night doesn’t quite spark enough feeling to justify its loaded title.

However, there’s plenty more to anticipate: on March 6th, War Child Records will release HELP(2), the star-studded charity album inspired by their 1995 release, featuring contributions from more huge acts including Fontaines D.C., Damon Albarn, Olivia Rodrigo and Pulp.