Arctic Monkeys at Leeds Festival 2005. Picture courtesy of http://www.andrewkendall.com/ |
There was such a buzz around the place. The tent was quickly closed up and I was so glad I was in that little venue. I witnessed something special. The band already had a rabid following who knew all the words to all the songs. I was taken aback.
Minimal. The bands new album sleeve. |
It isn't often I go out to buy a new release record but I have done with this one. Upon my first listen, it was a worthwhile trip. My first impression is that the album is heavier than previous efforts but also a lot more accessible than 2009's 'Humbug,' (although Joshua Homme still makes an appearance on 'All My Own Stunts).'
The two lead tracks 'Brick By Brick' and 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' are great starters for the album. There are some other great tracks here though. Library Pictures contains some great lyrics (especially the the last verse) and some sabbath like 'Iron Man' style riffs! Heavy stuff indeed. Another standout for me is 'Piledriver Waltz.' This track was featured on Alex Turner's Submarine EP from earlier this year. The album contains great titles for songs (as ever) to back up the great sounds in a nicely packaged record.
At the moment I am still listening to, taking in and enjoying this album. I think it's one I will be playing for a while. I think Arctic Monkeys deserve to be lauded in the national media and I hope this album does well for them. They're a fearless band who will do things their way. Alex Turner is good enough to keep writing great songs for a long time to come. Personally, it's fantastic to see the band evolve and stop singing about going to disco's! If you want to listen to songs that sound like the first album; go listen to it. It's great. For now, I'm gonna enjoy the now.