Arctic Monkeys - Humbug
MMMM
Though not as urgent or accessible as its predecessors, the Arctic Monkeys' new album Humbug is most certainly the band's strongest and most mature effort to date. Some might complain that the band has mellowed out and lost that energy that made their music so enjoyable, but I must contend that this album will definitely grow on you. The band seem to be diving farther into a psychedelic sound out of the 1960s as opposed to the garage punk rock sound that characterized their earlier material. I guess they've always had a bit of a vintage sound to their songs at some level or another, but it has gradually become more apparent over the past three albums.
Seven of the 10 tracks on Humbug were produced by Queens of the Stone Age frontman Josh Homme (Favourite Worst Nightmare producer James Ford handled production on the other three tracks). Considering Homme's background, it made the pairing all the more interesting. I cannot say I am surprised that it worked out so well. Homme's production is apparent, but the album sounds like a natural progression for the band. By all accounts, Homme was the best choice for a producer.
Alex Turner still has his wit and can write terrific lines ("You should have racing stripes the way you keep me in pursuit"). Those single-noted, kind of angular, guitar riffs that defined much of the band's past work appears throughout, as well, but manages to be refreshing despite recycling that old, familiar sound. Tremolo and reverb are all over this record. Most of this album was recorded in the Rancho De La Luna studio in the Mojave Desert -- and it sounds like it.
I've really been into Humbug as of late because it reminds me Europe and traveling around in Europe. I have no idea why. It really does have this desert feel to it. It is hypnotic for me. Try it.
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