Science Fiction (song)

“Science Fiction” is characterized by a hypnotic, repetitive bassline and a sparse, groove-oriented arrangement. The song opens with a simple bass riff that continues throughout, accompanied by a steady drumbeat and atmospheric guitar textures. Alex Turner's vocals shift between a low, spoken-sung delivery and a higher falsetto in the chorus, a technique he employed extensively on AM. The lyrics reference science fiction themes, including time travel and dystopia, but are often interpreted as metaphors for a relationship or the pressures of fame. The song's structure is unconventional, lacking a traditional chorus; instead, it builds tension through repetition and subtle instrumental changes. Critics have compared its sound to the work of groups like The Velvet Underground and Warpaint, noting its hypnotic quality and dark, seductive mood.¹

Produced by James Ford, who had worked with the band since their second album, “Science Fiction” was recorded at Sage & Sound Studios in Los Angeles and Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree, California. The band sought a more stripped-back, rhythm-focused sound for AM, influenced by hip-hop and R&B. Drummer Matt Helders has cited the influence of Dr. Dre's production, particularly the use of sparse beats and deep bass. The song's bassline was played by Nick O'Malley, who used a vintage Fender Precision Bass. Turner's vocals were recorded with a vintage microphone to achieve a warmer, more intimate tone. The production emphasizes space and texture, with reverb and delay effects creating a sense of depth. The band has stated that the song was one of the last to be completed for the album, with the final mix being done in New York.

“Science Fiction” was released on September 9, 2013, as part of AM. While not a single, it received significant attention from critics and fans. Many reviewers highlighted it as a standout track, praising its hypnotic groove and Turner's vocal performance. NME described it as “a dark, seductive crawl,” while Pitchfork noted its “sleek, motorik pulse.” The song has been performed live by the band on several tours, often as part of the encore. It has also been featured in various media, including the soundtrack for the video game FIFA 14 and the television series Peaky Blinders. The song's popularity has endured, with it being one of the most streamed tracks from AM on platforms like Spotify.²

“Science Fiction” has been cited as an example of Arctic Monkeys' evolution from their early guitar-driven sound to a more diverse, genre-blending style. It has influenced other artists, particularly in the indie rock scene, with its use of repetitive basslines and falsetto vocals. The song's music video, directed by Ben Chappell, features the band performing in a dimly lit room with psychedelic visuals, and has been viewed over 20 million times on YouTube. The track has been covered by several artists, including a notable version by the British singer-songwriter James Bay. In 2020, NME ranked it among the best Arctic Monkeys songs, praising its “mesmerizing” quality. The song's legacy is also tied to the broader success of AM, which is considered one of the defining rock albums of the 2010s.³

One lesser-known fact is that the song's working title was “Science Fiction” from the start, but early demos featured a different arrangement with a more prominent guitar riff. The bassline was originally played by Alex Turner on a synthesizer before being transferred to bass guitar. The song's lyrics contain a reference to the 1972 film Solaris, which Turner has cited as an influence. Additionally, the song's bridge features a spoken-word section that is often misheard; the actual lyric is “I want to be yours,” which is also the title of the album's closing track. The song was recorded in a single take, with the band playing live together in the studio. The cover art for the single, which was never officially released, was a photograph taken by Turner of a vintage science fiction paperback. The song has been used in a remix by the electronic artist Jamie xx, which was played at DJ sets but never officially released.⁴

Falsetto

A vocal technique that allows a singer to reach notes above their normal range, often producing a lighter, airy tone.

Motorik

A 4/4 drumbeat style characterized by a steady, relentless pulse, often associated with krautrock bands like Kraftwerk.

R&B

Rhythm and blues, a genre of popular music that originated in African-American communities, incorporating elements of jazz, gospel, and blues.