July 16 , 2008.
Arctic Monkeys begin work on their third album. Having sent Joshua Homme(QOTSA,Them Crooked Vultures) a demo tape of some new tracks. Josh decided that he wanted to produce the album after falling in love with Turners lyrics in the song " Dance Little Liar".
The band flew out to the Mojave Desert where they would begin work on a new album and pave the way for a new direction.
"Humbug"
"Mature" "Moodier". These two words have been quoted more then once when describing this album and with good reason. The band have grown up and have had the pressure of teen sensations riding on their shoulders ever since they burst onto the scene in 05. Everybody knew they could not turn out another album such as their first. Lyrically How can a 24 year old Rock star with a Fashion model girlfriend living in New York, write about nights down the pub as an 18 year old living the suburbs of Sheffield? The answer is he cant. Needless to say the wit is still there and maybe more then ever we are beginning to see the lyrical genius behind Alex Turner.
Musically this album is more experimental with the organ ( and even an organ player/ additional guitarist Mr John Ashton) and styles of guitar play with Jamie Cook using slap harmonics on "Dangerous Animals".
Overall the band have gone all out in every department with Matt Helders being the focal point once again with his brilliant drumming. Nick 'o Malley with his deep baselines adds more mood to the songs which had been absent in earlier material. Alex Turner not only brings great lyrics to the table but some nice solos which have been heavily influenced by none other then Josh Homme himself.
Now lets get into the album with a break down of each track!
1.My Propeller
1.My Propeller
Opening the album with "My Propeller" is like opening a big present at Christmas before all the socks your Nan bought you. But I assure you there are no socks on this whole album. This song offers a heavier beginning which folds into a sexy trance which you have no clue as to where it ends. Matt Helders rhythmic drumming carries you onto the moody notes which are being plucked from Turners guitar and into your earlobes. A heavy breakdown and a deep solo which is short but has plenty of emotion. The organ is constant in the background and you hear it without even realising. A fine opener with lyrics to match. One can only begin to think what they are about, which in my opinion adds to the mystery in which this song is embraced.
2.Crying Lightning
This song is the first single and deserves the title. Dominating driving basslines which acts as the heart beat of the song. Howling guitar slides from Jamie Cook had drama to such a melody enhanced by Matt Helders riding the Cymbals like a Lamborghini on a mountain. A Josh Homme style solo followed by a military drum salute before an outburst of the words " Crying Lightning". A Psychedelic moody song with great melody's and a sing along nature.
3.Dangerous Animals
Dark and mysterious this song is pacey and energectic with Jamie Cooks slapping Harmonics echoing through out. Repetitive beat with creepy effects and the words "D-A-N-G-E-R-O-U-S" & "A-N-I-M-A-L" bellowed out. The songs breakdown has some crazy drumming and the words " I'm pinned down by the dark" being recited like it was some ancient ritual. This is all followed by a nice solo which is carried through to outburst which the tension of the song had been building.
4.Secret Door
Much slower then the previous tracks on the album but it has that certain charm which goes back to the old story telling days, but in a much more mature manor.Sung in a specific way in which you wouldn't understand them quite at first. Sing-along a long verses with " ohhh ahhhs" being flown in there from behind the drum kit. Definitely one for the live shows!
5.Potion Approaching
A ping pong style intro with the guitar seemingly going back and fourth.The other instruments join in and its the whole rhythm of the song is one big spiral. The words seem hard to decipher( when aren't they) Definitely some drugs endured to create this tune but it seems to work. The pace then slows down and its as if Turner is reading out a secret code to unlock an ancient temple in a Jim Morrison kinda way! The music then comes back in for a heavy finish.
6.Fire and the Thud
Backed up by Alison Mosshart of " The Kills" is a slow paced calmed song with strange lyrics which Turner opted to sing but still drafted in Alison for the end of the song as backing vocals.Some kind of James Bond theme tune this one.
7.Cornerstone
Kiss chase in pubs. This song is a real cracker on many degrees with Turner whacking out the lyrics ( suprise suprise) which are fine to the detail and clear which cant be said about many of the other tracks on the album.Slow song this one with a real summery feel.Clearly in love is this man that he portrays it in such a gentle way with such a beautiful song.
8.Dance Little Liar
Now this one is a true great within the album. Mellow and groovy from the off with chilling lyrics and a deep meaning one would think! Once Turner kicks in with his guitar solo shortly followed by Matts machine like drumming its hard to feel goosebumps.A lot of Homme on this track with how the lyrics are projected and its definitely a good touch for the old boys.
9.Pretty Visitors
Kind of where they had been heading and more of what they promised when they mentioned Black Sabbath.Dark and fast and just what the album needs. This track with help the band progress with heavier material without people raising an eyebrow.
Fantastic track with masses of energy and mood.
10.The Jewellers Hands
RnB meets Gondolas in the middle of Venice. Whilst maintaining mystery there is rhythm and once again a lot more of a mature sound. Wasn't sure what to make of such a different sound at first, but as always it grows on you like all other tracks on this album.Could it be a vivid dream (Acid)? Put it this way its the most tripping stuff they have done to date. A solid song which is underrated and potentially overlooked as an album filler. Far from the case as this is a great showcase for talent from all of the boys in their finest work to date.
I hope you enjoyed reading this " review" ;) x
