Humbug is a great example of how you can have all the same pieces, all the same musical components from your previous albums, but can create something completely different in the simple construction of said pieces.  It’s that the Arctic Monkeys significantly altered their sound, but by enlisting Josh Homme from QOTSA as a producer there’s a looser, bludgeoning vibe to the tracks, overall more claustrophobic and viscous.  It all leads to a deeper, darker record that gets better with every listen.  In other words, just another Arctic Monkeys record. Continue reading “Arctic Monkeys: Humbug (2009)”

Laced with a more anxious vibe even as it broadens its musical palate, Favourite Worst Nightmare is an interesting follow-up to the smash debut from Arctic Monkeys.  While the music isn’t as readily accessible from a “single” format the band continues their sense  of adventure, getting seriously dense at times, although a few songs really open back up to the sense of fun from the debut. Continue reading “Arctic Monkeys: Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)”

Within the first seconds of opener “The View From The Afternoon” I’m all in on Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, the frantic and impeccably slick debut from the Arctic Monkeys.  The indie bands that instantly wowed me as I was exploring other genres besides straight up rock and metal were few and far between, but the ridiculous level of musicianship coupled with effortless execution and a tongue firmly in cheek (when it wasn’t wagging) all combined to make this a favorite, something that gets better the more it’s played and the LOUDER it’s played. Continue reading “Arctic Monkeys: Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)”