Since bursting onto the British music scene in 2005 with "Whatever People Say I Am..." the Arctic Monkeys have enjoyed a rollercoaster of success. Following up their critically acclaimed debut with "Favourite Worst Nightmare", the new face of an entire generation somehow managed to bottle up the same energy, pounding drumbeats and lyrical genius to create a worthy successor to the first album, equally as accomplished. Fast forward two years later and we see "Humbug", a desert vibed epic that rang with the inspiration offered by working with Josh Homme. It did not share the same accomplishments of its predecessors however and quickly split opinion, taking both the band and its loyal fan base out of their comfort zones.
However, if third albums were notoriously difficult, than the fourth must be something else entirely and expectations are high for a 'return to form' by the band. So has it delivered? Well quite simply put, they've truly 'returned'. While managing to sound nothing like "Humbug" they haven't simply rolled over like many fans were asking for and instead headed in a new direction, backed up by Turners fantastic lyrics. First we see Brick by Brick, a misleading album taster if ever there was one. Full of "rock and roll", it's a departure from the Monkeys we know but still retains a level of fun, breathless sweaty fun at that and a sure-fire winner when played live. Moving on we get Don't Sit Down I've Moved Your Chair which really allows Turner to show off his skilful control over the English language, with metaphors and laugh out loud moments aplenty, offering a better taste of what to expect from the album and a brilliant second single.
What follows from then on is a beautifully crafted piece of work based mainly around one prevailing theme. Love is a Lasercraft, Suck it and See and Piledriver Waltz all offer Turner's unique take on love and lines such as "You're rarer than a can of dandelion and burdock, and those other girls are just post-mix lemonade" show a nostalgic naivety that fits so well after the self-discovery journey that was "Humbug", contrasted with tracks such as Library Pictures which echoes the Arctic Monkeys of old; complex, hypnotic drumbeats and fuzzy guitar riffs that are deliciously catchy.
Overall this new offering from the band show their unwavering dedication to their own purpose, taking their music in new directions while never bowing to pressure or the shouts of "Go back to the old stuff!" and still retaining the loveable charm and inspiration that lofted them to greatness in the first place. At its base, the Arctic Monkeys fourth album is an ever present answer to "Will I like it?" They think you should Suck it and See. I think they've never been better.
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