Arctic Monkeys – Humbug

The Arctic Monkeys are back with a new album and a whole new direction. With Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme at the producing desk, Humbug, the Sheffield boys’ third album, is darker and more intense than their previous records. Old fans needn’t worry, however, Humbug still contains the trademark rhythmic guitars and lyricist Alex Turner’s sharp vocals- look out for the line “what came first, the chicken or the dickhead?” on ‘Pretty Visitors.’ The album begins with the innuendo-filled ‘My Propeller,’ Turner beseeching his lover to “have a spin.” Along with Josh Homme, the record was co-produced by James Ford, who worked on the previous record. Who produced which songs is apparent; Homme’s heavier influence on the majority of the fist half. In comparison to the band’s previous records, Alex Turner’s vocals are different on Humbug, lower, more restrained. His more mature tones suit the feel of Humbug, and rely more on melody than lyrics. The highlights of the album are the lead single ‘Crying Lightening,’ the slower ‘Secret Door’ and ‘Pretty Visitors.’ The new direction is a pleasant surprise for fans of the Arctic Monkeys, and is bound to pick up some new fans along the way.