Suck It And See

 My album rating: 8/10

Gone are the days when Arctic Monkeys were a band singing about fights at taxi ranks, and scantily-clad prostitutes. These days, with the likes of Humbug, they've turned their attention to matters which do not centre around their home town, Sheffield. Suck It And See is the sound of the experimental Humbug coming into fruition.  Although still heavily influenced by Josh Homme, so there is still an air of darker, heavier atmosphere, it is more balanced out with Alex Turner's lyrical genius. The energy and melodies are back in the form of stoner rock songs, rather than the punky numbers with which they became famous for. It still might not be overly appealing to fans who fell in love with the first two albums, but they have grown up and have long since matured musically.

One key aspect that has not been changed however, is Turner's masterful song writing, and this album only confirms this. His laid back delivery that fans have grown to love reflects his confidence and maturity with song writing. This is shown perfectly in the title track of the album which holds the gem, "I poured my aching heart into a pop song / I couldn't get the hang of poetry / that’s not a skirt girl, that’s a sawn off shotgun / and I can only hope you've got it aimed at me."

Not only have they continued delivering lyrically, but instrumentally too. Bassist Nick O'Malley shines in this album more than ever, and is the basis to the success of many of the songs,  especially 'Reckless Serenade'. Drummer Matt Helders clearly must have had more fun recording this album than he had recording Humbug, sounding much more energized and enthusiastic, and even lending a hand with the vocals on 'Brick by Brick'.  Meanwhile, Jamie Cook expands his list of memorable riffs, from the psychedelic 'Library Pictures' and the beefy 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair', to the retro pop chimes of 'Reckless Serenade.' The versatile range of styles goes to show how the various side projects and experiments the band dabbled in were in fact worthwhile. 

Perhaps most importantly, Suck It And See sees the band produce music at a time when they were beginning to have their first doubters. As dividing as Humbug was, it now seems like a necessary sidestep, and one which has helped the band to return to  their very best. There will, of course, always be a section of their fanbase who believe that their debut album will never be topped, but Suck It And See goes a long way towards proving that such a feat is indeed possible.