Arctic Monkeys Humbug Review

The Arctic Monkeys. Strange band. Alex Turner and his fellow band members are clouded by one big question mark, wrapped up in an riddle, and surrounded by an enigma. Unpredictabilty yes. However is this a sign of a great band who constantly evolve into something new, fresh and exciting or rather a band who revolutionise so much they are indeed losing the very character that rised them to fame as Britains musical symbol of the modern era?.

The latest offering by Artic Monkeys offers a consistency that mixes mystique and romance blurring the two together to create an unfathomable indulgence. The album begins with the risque 'My Propeller' which through sexual connotations establishes a firm grip on its audience, through Alex Turners infectious vocals through to the thudding, punkish vibrancy carrying the rhythm of the song. This is followed by the song 'Crying Lightening' which with its simialar qualities produces the chant Crying Lightening through its catchy chorous. From here the album stoops more into Turner's playful ambivalence and raw sounds that you would expect of a post punk band.

Now immediately after hearing this album it suddenly hit me yes the lads are unbelievably talented. Alex Turner provides his creative lyrics and the band equally are fearless of experimentation and never leave a mess. If a new band had released this album their would have been considerable hype and critics would have applauded the dark, brooding atmosphere which is conveyed fantatically. However songs such as 'The Jewellers hands' and 'Potion Approaching' highlight The AM's hypocrtical behaviour. First they were the nations eyes and ears in Whatever People Say I am that's What I'm Not, taking on a more literal stance on issues that affected me and you. That is why we loved them. Then came the equally successfull Favourite Worst Nightmare, indicating prehaps where the Arctic Monkeys were going. Ambivalent lyrics, diverse thematic elements, experimental gutiar riffs etc. This ofcourse, with what we perceived to be the bands growing maturity, was also to cater to a more global audience. Still we had the cheeky wit and clever hooks. Well this album derives us from that, as though The Arctic Monkeys are transforming from monkey to Human with sheer arrogrance and pretence. Neglecting the very chracteristics we loved them for. Soon the only thing left left in its original state will be Alex Turner's sheffield accent but from the way the band are going he will probaly have elocution lessons.

Songs such as 'Cornerstone', a sad tale of a longing for somebody that is no longer available is emotional, insightful and impassioned. Similar to the effect '505' had when first heard on the previous album it has the same compelling qualities that made it such a hearty favourite offours. If Alex Turner concentrated on being clever without deluding his audience, such as in this song, then maybe the band could convey more off a sense of maturity and achievement.

Overall the album is consistent. Its very good. Its mysterious qualities provide a forum for all to interpret and the album will be a sucess. It just niggles at me that I don't know where the band are going. How will we remember the Artic Monkeys? Even their apperance has changed dramatically so that Alex Turner looks more like hes imitating John Lennon rather than being his true, great self. This album is a definite buy but for anyone who can answer what direction the band will go for their fourth album, prehaps they can answer the sheer humorous brilliance of the witty Turner Lyrics 'What came First the Chicken or the dickhead?'.

4/5.