Arctic Monkeys - AM Review

Arctic Monkeys – AM

When Arctic Monkeys’ fifth album ‘AM’ was nominated for a Mercury Prize they were interviewed to state their case for this album, why they thought it was nominated and why it should win, Alex Turner simply explained: ‘This is the album we always wanted to make.’

‘AM’ is their fifth album in eight years, their former bassist left because of their tiring schedule and the work load they put on themselves. Some would forgive them if they took a few years out to take a break and gather a fresh perspective but if they keep creating albums like ‘AM’ in quick successions then I hope they never tire of their constant conveyor belt of timeless classics. Their latest release has provided a defining moment in the band’s history; it has produced a mature, polished piece of work that has now propelled them into a new respect from critics and fellow musicians. It has given them a bar that they raised above all the other British indie bands of the 21^st century and this new found status has really got America talking about them for the first time.

Produced by James Ford, a man they already know much about seeing as though he worked on previous projects with them, and contributions from various famous faces (not at least Queen’s of the Stone Age’ front man Josh Homme) this record feels like they finally have reached the end of a path they have taken since their debut album, they've arrived at their destination along with their big-fat Guitar riffs, screeching vocals and fast-paced rhythms. It’s a record that just oozes the cool that Alex Turner has always tried to get through with earlier albums, if this album was to walk then it would be strutting all the way to the nearest back alley bar.

 ‘Do I Wanna Know?’ contains one of the most catchy guitar riffs of the modern rock era – Black Keys should be keeping an eye out, the drums are simple enough but just adds to the riff, when you have a melody of that magnitude all other instruments should take a backseat. It then opens up into a myriad of vocal lines and melodies, weaving in between each other to fill the sonic wall to breaking point; it’s an explosive ending to one of the tracks of the year. The song is evidence of Arctic Monkeys’ level of maturity and the way they want to be perceived – a band that makes music that you cannot deny to love. A particular track gives the best example of their progression , not only as musicians, but as artists is ‘I Wanna Be Yours’, this track isn't just playing music but it’s painting a picture of their individualism and artistic impression, the song contains the guitar work of musician’s past, influences of Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello and Eric Clapton. The vocal line when it hits its title contains traces of Nina Simone and Aretha Franklin, you have to sit back and admire how they pull it off. The bass gives the impression of talking steps, with its 1-2 rhythmic feel that drives the song along to the end when (of course as all artists would do) there is a minute gap of silence until the aptly named track ‘2013’ sets the band off in its final direction.

When Alex Turner made that comment at the Mercury Prize, I was interested to hear the album and make up my own mind about whether that was just to build up the album a little or was the honest truth – I guess I have my answer.

Added Notes:

·         Tracks you have to hear – Do I Wanna Know?, R U Mine?, I Wanna Be Yours and Snap Out Of It.

·         The other famous faces were Elvis Costello’s Drummer Pete Thomas and Coral man Bill Ryder-Jones.

·         If you love this album for its big-ass bluesy guitar riffs then listen to The Black Key – Brothers.