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In Defense of the Arctic Monkeys ...

 
‘Humbug’ by Arctic Monkeys was unleashed to the world on the 24^th of August this year. The third and perhaps most testing album was unveiled just over two years after the success of ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare’. With the exciting news that they were being helped by Josh Homme and James Ford on this album you were sure to expect changes. Surprise to say not many people appreciated the change. I have read many o’reviews criticising the band’s abandonment of the post-punk heavy guitar rife sound for a mellow darker tunes. And to that I say ‘bah humbug!’ This is the natural evolution of their sound no doubt as they have grown in age and popularity. They have made lots of money and in the process acquired new tastes and hobbies, as I discovered. Par example; their new penchant for skinny jeans, making friends with Sean ‘Puffy’ Coombs, travelling to perilous lands including North America, discovering a love for zippers, yes zippers and buying derelict tube stations. Surely you don’t expect them to still go on about the dance floor like a broken record. Welcome the change people!

Onto the album – the influence of Josh Homme is felt strongly throughout and as the album begins with the song ‘My Propeller’ I can even picture Josh taking to the stage and singing ‘have a spin of my propeller’. Later I discover that Josh has contributed also to singing the backing vocals hence the uncanny resemblance. Alex’s Sheffield twang seems to have dissolved into a huskier dark voice, it suits him well. Au contraire to popular belief this album isn’t short of pock-rocking heavy beats. ‘Potion Approaching’ and ‘Pretty Visitors’ will have the mosh pit going to the thunderous drum and guitar combo. One thing that hasn’t changed is the band’s ability to come up with most peculiar lyrics. ‘What came first the chicken or the dickhead?’ … umm did he just say that? The above mentioned tracks set the tone of the album but ‘Secret Doors’ which remains my favourite track is a surprising delight. Starting off slow it hits you with rolling drums and recurring waltz organ. I want to be dancing to this tune whilst the band play live but alas they’ve finished their UK tour. ‘Bah humbug!’

Silvi 'Silver' Subba