Hype. Possibly the best way to describe anything to do with Arctic Monkeys. So when it seeped out that the lads were recording up in Joshua Tree, the internet blew into full scale madness. Mrs Helders revealed that her son and the boys were working on album number 5 back in September 2012, and since then, rumors have circulated on what type of album it will be. Was it going to be a back to basics or album? or a fifth straight different direction?
The album starts with previously released, Do I Wanna Know? it's simplistic bass, catchy powerful guitar line and poetic style lyrics are a perfect start to the album. R u mine? is next, which was start of the heavier side to Arctics. Where Alex and Matt beautifully mixed their lyrics with a heavy guitar ensemble and epic drums. Track 3, One for the Road, combines signature ball strangling back up vocals, the lads new take on quote, 'RnB' music, and typical quirky lyrics, to carry on the emphatic start to the album. Arabella, Track 4. This is where you can see the inspiration from Josh Homme, of Queens of the Stone Age. He brings his dark, deep and exciting twist to the new born Monkeys.
I Want It All is slightly repetitive, but makes up for it with a signature screeching solo right in the middle of the track. No. 1 Party Anthem is next up and to me it seems very Cornerstone-esque. With a rare piano in the mix and a sultry acoustic accompaniment, its the perfect tone down aspect of the album. Track 7, Mad sounds, uses a flanger reverbed electric guitar and funky trailing bass, that reminds me somewhat of the psychedelic, Unknown Mortal Orchestra. Fireside, track 8, is a mixture of an everlasting acoustic guitar, a walking bassline, and a church-like organ being an underlying ring throughout the track. Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High, another pre-released record, has minimal echoing guitars that don't sway your attention from the picturesque lyrics, even though it doesn't paint the most pleasant of pictures. Track 10, Snap Out Of It, is based around a slightly spooky piano chord progression. It becomes a funky pop track that leaves you wanting just that little bit more by the end of it. Knee Socks, one of my favorite tracks on AM, is a sensual song, that leaves you hanging on every single word that alex mutters. Again the 'RnB' twist comes into play with the high twist, chorus-esque, vocals in the bridge towards the end. I Wanna Be Yours, at first glance made me laugh, with its simple lyrics, but the Arctics have never been any different. Silky sung lyrics mixed with a minimal electric drum, and a 'Diamonds Are Forever' style guitar throughout create a calming, trance like track to round off the album.
You can never compare an Arctic Monkeys album, because they are all so different in every single way. I think that is what has been the most appealing factor about these lads, that they never release anything that is the same, but manage to never loose what they are. Amidst the reports of fame going to their heads, who cares! If they keep releasing music like this, I have no problem with it.
One of the odds on favorites to take their second Mercury Prize crown, I would love for this album to come out on top. It delivers on every aspect, and would be well deserved for the Sheffield lads. I think anyone would say that they're going to win, but as we all know, when it comes down to it, you can never predict this award correctly.
Charles
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