Five years after Arctic Monkeys’ first album, “Humbug” has garnered mixed reactions among the fans because the sound has changed so radically. In my opinion, it may as well be their finest and most mature release to date, leaving behind the indie rock tint to a more psychedelic approach. Each track embraces fuzzy-toned guitars with loads of reverb and chorus effects; we could hold Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age responsible for this as he was the producer for “Humbug”. Arctic Monkeys actually went to his own studio in the Mojave Desert and clearly it had a big influence on their image and sound, to the disappointment of some and to the pleasure of others.
Alex Turner’s talent is more undeniable than ever, lyrically and musically, the songs now have more complex structures and ingenious instrumental passages. As for the vocals, they still preserve the old Sheffield accent but the lyrics have gotten darker, and the rhymes odder, and his voice has deepened also. Yet, nothing is out of place, and I only attribute all of this to the band’s progression and evolution. Some tracks definitely stand out of the lot, such as “Crying Lightning”, with its hypnotic riffs and catchy chorus and the ultra-heavy “Pretty Visitors” which is reminiscent of Black Sabbath and features a haunted-house organ introduction. Still, you will get flashes of the Monkeys’ older stuff in tracks like “Secret Door” and “Potion Approaching”.
“Humbug” is a crossover between “Favourite Worst Nightmare” and QOTSA’s “Songs for the Deaf”. It also shows that Arctic Monkeys aren’t a generic and one-dimensional indie or Britpop band. Sure, they have lost their charm, but maturing sure as hell did not affect them negatively, au contraire. If you were a fan of the band’s earlier work and haven’t really listened to “Humbug”, I suggest that you persist through the first couple of listens, and then you will be in awe.
by Kerry
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