5 Ways a Steinway Vertegrand Changed Arctic Monkeys' Sound

It drove the shift to lounge-pop Turner wrote most of Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino on a Steinway Vertegrand he received as a gift, which explains the album’s dramatic move away from guitar rock.

It forced baroque arrangements The piano’s unique tone and limited range pushed Turner to write more intricate, orchestral parts instead of standard rock riffs.

It replaced the band’s usual instruments The Vertegrand became the primary songwriting tool, sidelining electric guitars and drums in the creative process.

It inspired a new vocal style Playing piano instead of guitar led Turner to sing in a lower, more conversational register suited to the instrument’s character.

It defined the album’s atmosphere The piano’s vintage, slightly worn sound gave the record its retro-futuristic, hotel-lounge mood that critics and fans either loved or hated.