It was exactly a month ago when my college friend told me that Arctic Monkeys new album came out. I was shocked; I had no time to make any expectation to them despite their disappointing Humburg (2009) album. I decided to download it instead of buying it (pirate scum!!). HAHAHA.
I checked their website, I felt the "Dark" vibe right away from their new lay out;Arctic Monkeys in black and a broken white cream color on the background. It's dark and mature. There was some kind of media player in the middle, so I clicked it and the song starts. "She's Thunderstorms" was the song, I was completely stoned and then, "It's Radiohead!" . THAT was my first reaction. With all my respect, it really sounds similar. But anyway, funk it. Let's roll.
Monkeys' fourth album has a unique touch and quality. As promised before, they will appear with more vintage sounds. They do, and it really amazed me. The unique vibration from Alex Turner's voice makes the album grows stronger than before. Mature guitar sound from both guitarist gives another PLUS point. They made it very simple, light, yet it's stunning. We can hear the sound is similar to Radiohead's Creep era, revolting beats which similar to Beatles' Revolver, the lyrics were light and catchy as well. In fact, their new songs brought us a new scent to our modern music. ROCK is still alive and strong.
The first song, She's Thunderstorm, gives us a dark point for the album. We can hear it since the beginning where the guitar sound came out with a minor and dark chorus compression, swinging vocal style from Alex gives this song a tearing story about a bad girl. Light and catchy guitar solo covered with heavy vibe at the end, gives this song a sublime thumbs up.
Black Treacle, strong guitar riff as an opener, hip drum beats, another swinging vocal, makes this song as my favorite from this album. We all can sing and jump together on the refrain part. Tearing guitar lick makes it better and better. This song is the answer for the fans about their new Vintage sound. Suh-weet.
Classic rock touch, hard and heavy vocal from Matt Helders (drum), psychedelic sensation also can be seen on this song, Brick by Brick. They brought us to the late 60's era where The Who bang our grand fathers head, and the brave Punk era of the late 70's, where The Clash came out with new wave of sound. This song gives us a major head banging session. I wanna rock n roll.
The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala, brings another new wave touch to their album. Low profile vocal, catchy “Shalalala” cue, what else? Unfortunately, this song is the weakest from the album. Sorry, guys.
Yeah, yeah, yeah! Don’t Sit Down Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair is another bang from the Monkeys. A classic blues touch on the intro, (another) heavy vocal, heavy distortion, and classy drum rumble, makes this song as their “darkest” from the album. The lyric is quite philosophical and has a lot of meaning. I’m gonna say this now; Alex Turner is one of our best song writers in this whole wide world. Period.
Library Pictures, the sixth song of the album. I’m just gonna say it once, just listen to it. Powerful, energetic, dynamic, all mixed up into one good-ground breaking song. At certain point, this song has something that makes me ring the bell. The drums were amazing, the sound mix was massive, and they got the guts to give this music to us. But how and why this band still left behind? Don’t stop banging your head!
Strikingly sexy vocal, classy guitar play and another sublime team work for the sound mix. All my own stunts brought us back to the early 80’s with more power and balls. Bravery is the key to succeed. They got the bravery. Just listen to the screaming outro, you will understand why.
Catchy and light bass line for the intro, slapping sexy vocal, all combined together with the recognizable guitar chorus and thunderous drum power. Yes, Reckless Serenade is too short, yet it’s very nice to hear in this summer day. The lyric is light, the whole music as well. This song gives us the new wave surf music sound to rise up. Ride on.
Piledriver Waltz brought me to a slow and relaxing mood. I don’t know what exactly why; the song energy brought me to it. Alex Turner voice was transformed into Cream’s Jack Bruce and Kink’s Ray Davies. Amazingly, although the music turned into some kind of slower, they still got the touch which makes me said, “Oh this is still Arctic”. Well done, lads.
Love is a laserquest, catchy intro with the unique drum pattern, classy heavy vocal and also with the trademark chorus guitar, gives this song another touch which similar to Sondre Lerche and other new wave pioneer. Soothing feeling rises up since the refrain part about to start J lovely.
The title of this album, Suck it and See. This song starts with Turner’s count and guitar+voice that were so deep. Another light song, catchy notes and cool vocal makes this song a very good song to relax. I was expecting a heavier sound or heavier touch, but the song was so soothing until the end which makes me feel, “hmm”. Hope y’all understand.
That’s Where You’re Wrong is the last song of this brave album. Still with new wave touch and sound, light lyric, epic drum play. This song is the anti-climax of the album. BUT, I can assure you that this song has the “stadium” power. Just check out when they are going to play live!
And in the end, my conclusion is final. The album has huge bravery; they got the talent and quality to play until now; huge balls to lift up a vintage touch again. They got the knowledge to play, they know where to go. But sadly, the anti-climax was the down point of it. At the end, it gets so boring and light. Should’ve done better.
My salute to the sound engineer from Dominos label and also from the Arctic Monkeys; huge team work brigs huge success. I also want to give a five star to Alex Turner song writing that makes him one of the best songwriter in the UK (or maybe this damn world!). Also, I’d like to give five stars for Matt Helders. inspiring drum play that gives the band huge power and impact to our music quality.
Last question; can Arctic Monkeys do better than this with THEIR OWN sound and quality? Keep it cool, Monkeys. Rock on.
Have a good summer!
Regards,
Timothy.
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