CD review: Artic Monkeys freeze up on junior effort
.
August 31, 2009 • written by Macy Linton
Filed under Reviews
Arctic Monkeys, British Myspace sensation turned Rolling Stone Magazine favorite (and debatably one of the best bands of the 21st century), is back for their third full-length major record label release with the surprisingly underwhelming “Humbug.”
This time around, vignette-like verses and artsy introspection are the main focal points, replacing punk-rock forwardness and portraits of society. In print, that doesn’t sound like a completely terrible trade-off; however, in surround sound the end result is a bit muddled and, overall, not very Arctic Monkeys-esque.
Arctic Monkeys’ songs usually hit hard and leave the listener feeling caught in the middle of a brief but violent windstorm. In “Humbug,” however, this immediacy is lost. Songs are misguidedly allowed to slip past the standard 2- to 3-minute mark and delve into 4-minute territory. Added to the slow, gauche nature of the songs, this is nothing less than a curse in disguise.
Worse, lead singer and lyricist Alex Turner, who has raised the ironic snarl to an art form, seems to have abandoned his most useful tool in favor of crooning. This is a pity (although his English lilt is quite sexy), especially considering that the words on songs such as “Crying Lightning” would sound better with a little bit of snarl thrown in to add edge.
The biggest downfall on the album is, ultimately, the less-than-inspired lyrics. Turner’s style varies radically from AM’s past style, but that’s not necessarily the bad part. It’s the blatant awkwardness in meter and word choice that adds a level of discomfort and nonsensicality to the music.
Luckily, this mess isn’t without its little gems: “The Jeweler’s Hands” is both simultaneously morbid and seductive, while the avant-garde “Pretty Visitors” brings back some of that much-needed snarl with lyrics that are only slightly awkward. The obvious highlight is “Cornerstone,” which manages to be at once hilarious and clever, somber and cutting as it floats through pretty, parallel verses.
The album does in fact get better with repetition, the subtle musical intricacy inherent in every song almost hypnotic in its ability to draw the listener in; but awkwardly paired with the song lyrics and lacking the usual energy, it always leaves the listener wanting.
“Humbug” may be better then a lot of albums out right now; admittedly, it is brave enough to be abstract and melancholy during a recession in which happy, upbeat music is the stuff in demand. However, it is convoluted at best, awkward at worst. Compared to the snarl and pure, unadulterated bravado of the past records, this album may as well be a collection of lullabies.
Excellent review! I don’t give a flip about the Arctic Monkeys, but now I’m going to have to download some of their tracks. I’m guessing I’ll hate the music, but the review was compelling enough to make me want to listen.
Keep up the good work. I believe the quality of your writing is worthy of national publication, and I’m looking forward to your next review.