2008 Woodie Awards
Arctic Monkeys' new album surpasses expectations
Abby Olcese
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: After Hours
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Last year, the Arctic Monkeys proved they were a force to be reckoned with in their debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," the fastest-selling record in British music history, and one that ended up at the top of many critics' best of 2006 lists on both sides of the pond. Now, the four-piece from Sheffield has (dare I say it?) produced an even better LP with "Favourite Worst Nightmare." The tracks are simultaneously bright and tough, like a mosh pit in a sunny field. Alex Turner and crew get things off to a rocking good start with "Brianstorm," an adrenaline-charged tune that melds raw power with something akin to Franz Ferdinand's suits-and-spats rock. It manages to be rough and slick at the same time, which is quite a feat. There's a nice sampling of songs on "Favourite Worst Nightmare." The first four tracks are immensely danceable, reminiscent of the band's debut, followed by a couple of slower songs, the mature-sounding "Fluorescent Adolescent" and "Only Ones Who Know." These are followed with a return to form in "Do Me a Favour" and "This House Is a Circus," but these songs are different than those offered at the beginning. Somewhere, a switch was made, and what we get here are much more distinct music and lyrics. "We're forever unfulfilled, and can't think why," Turner sings with frustration on "This House Is a Circus." I don't know if Turner knows it, but these words speak as much to a generation used to shallow instant-gratification as they speak to the band. Overall, there's so much energy, focus and power poured into "Favourite Worst Nightmare" that I have to wonder how these guys could keep it up. It's been a little more than a year since "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," and already the band has finished a second release that, far from the sophomore slump feared and suffered by most bands, is actually better than its debut. "Favourite Worst Nightmare" will please the Arctic Monkeys' following, while also serving as a great introduction to those unfamiliar with the music. I just hope the band can keep from burning out at this rate. It would be a sad thing indeed to see so promising a band break down when it's clear it has great possibilities. |
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