Monday 9 September 2013

'AM' - Arctic Monkeys

When an unassuming Alex Turner mumbled 'don't believe the hype' back in 2005, it's unlikely he expected the world wide fan base that exists today - nor the great anticipation that would amass in the build up to AM's release. While for many the single releases were a promising hint towards the album's sound, some were left unsure of the band's new direction. I'll say it now - 'AM' is a triumph and will blow any scepticism out of the water.

We're first welcomed by two of the album's singles, 'Do I Wanna Know?' and 'R U Mine?" - comfortably easing us into what, until very recently, had been entirely unheard.

'One For The Road' reacquaints us with drummer Matt Helder's falsetto cries, something encountered in several tracks on the album. Bass tiptoes into a sultry chorus, Turner stating "there's no need to show me round baby, I feel like I've been in here before". It's a brooding culmination of wailing vocals, bass, and a merciless guitar solo courtesy of Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme.

Carrying on down saucy lane we meet 'Arabella', a track containing so many literary techniques Alex's English teacher should give him an A* and probably a sticker. "The horizon tries, but it's just not as kind on the eyes as Arabella" croons Turner, accompanied by backing vocals and guitar that is almost smothering.

Track number 6 on the album is an undeniable highlight. Contrary to what the name suggests, 'No.1 Party Anthem' is not a song made for nightclubs and messy teenage parties. Instead, it is wonderfully melancholic and reminiscent of previous album Suck it and See's sweetly sad 'Love is a Laserquest'.
Similarly, 'Mad Sounds' is more of a ballad than a rock song. That isn't a criticism - no Arctics album is complete without one or two heartstring-pullers.

Album closer 'I Wanna Be Yours' is a heavy, beautifully drowsy take on John Cooper Clarke's poem of the same name. The song is undoubtedly an homage to Clarke - one of Turner's own heroes - and both an interesting and perfectly fitting end to a record that is as lustful as it is ingenious.

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