Arctic Monkeys have launched a brand new single, “Opening Evening,” marking their first new music since 2022’s The Automotive and launching Battle Little one’s newly introduced charity compilation HELP(2). The observe arrives because the opening assertion of a challenge that brings collectively a few of the most influential names in British and international music, all in assist of youngsters affected by battle.
“Opening Evening” was recorded at Abbey Highway Studios and produced by James Ford, a longtime Arctic Monkeys collaborator. The track feels measured and reflective, leaning into the band’s current fascination with cinematic restraint relatively than loud revivalism. It units a considerate tone for HELP(2), which goals to steadiness inventive integrity with pressing goal.
HELP(2) follows the legacy of Battle Little one’s 1995 compilation HELP, a landmark launch that captured a defining second in British music tradition whereas elevating funds for humanitarian assist. This re-creation updates that concept for a fractured current. The album options new materials from artists spanning generations and kinds, together with Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Depeche Mode, Fontaines D.C., The Final Dinner Occasion, Beth Gibbons, Huge Thief, Moist Leg, Sampha, Foals and Younger Fathers. A number of tracks additionally pair surprising collaborators, akin to Damon Albarn with Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest, and Beck alongside Arooj Aftab.
The album took form over one intensive week at Abbey Highway in November 2025. Jonathan Glazer oversaw the visible aspect of the challenge, working with youngsters contained in the studio and in battle zones together with Ukraine, Gaza, Yemen and Sudan. These photos type a part of a broader “By Kids, For Kids” idea that runs by the discharge.
For Arctic Monkeys, “Opening Evening” reads much less like a comeback assertion and extra like a quiet contribution to one thing bigger. Throughout the context of HELP(2), that restraint feels deliberate. The compilation positions music not as spectacle, however as a shared cultural response to ongoing humanitarian crises, echoing how artists as soon as rallied round causes with out diluting their artistic voice.
HELP(2) is ready for launch on March 6 by way of Battle Little one Information. Pre-order right here, and take heed to “Opening Evening” beneath.
Tracklist: HELP(2)
You’ll be able to try the HELP(2) tracklist in full beneath:
- Arctic Monkeys – ‘Opening Evening’
- Damon Albarn, Grian Chatten and Kae Tempest – ‘Flags’
- Black Nation, New Highway – ‘Strangers’
- The Final Dinner Occasion – ‘Let’s do it once more!’
- Beth Gibbons – ‘Sunday Morning’
- Arooj Aftab and Beck – ‘Lilac Wine’
- King Krule – ‘The 343 Loop’
- Depeche Mode – ‘Common Soldier’
- Ezra Collective ans Greentea Peng – ‘Helicopters’
- Arlo Parks – ‘Nothing I Might Conceal’
- English Trainer and Graham Coxon – ‘Parasite’
- Beabadoobee – ‘Say Sure’
- Huge Thief – ‘Relive, Redie’
- Fontaines D.C. – ‘Black Boys on Mopeds’
- Cameron Winter – ‘Warning’
- Younger Fathers – ‘Don’t Battle the Younger’
- Pulp – ‘Begging for Change’
- Sampha – ‘Naboo’
- Moist Leg – ‘Apparent’
- Foals – ‘When the Battle is Lastly Finished’
- Bat For Lashes – ‘Carried my lady’
- Anna Calvi, Ellie Rowsell, Nilüfer Yanya and Dove Ellis – ‘Sunday Mild’
- Olivia Rodrigo – ‘The Guide of Love’
What do you make of Arctic Monkeys’ return and the HELP(2) line-up? Be a part of the dialog on X/Twitter, and discover extra music and tradition tales at CelebMix.
