By Madeleine Coate
Sports Editor
There is a general fear of the unknown, but The Arctic Monkeys prove this to be misguided as their continuously changing style brilliantly illustrates the potential and payoff of experimentation and diversity.
Although the band treads no unexplored ground of the alternative genre in the album, “AM” remains another success with its multiple hit tracks. Their heavier use of guitar and drums, rather than electronic sounds, the superb vocals and overall lyrical genius make for an unarguably high quality album.
The English quartet, composed of lead vocalist Alex Turner, lead guitarist Jamie Cook, bass guitarist Nick O’Malley and drummer Matt Helders, came together in 2002 and gained momentum from their internet fame from Myspace. In 2005, they signed a record deal with the independent record label Domino. Before “AM,” the band released five other studio albums, with the most recent being “Suck It and See” released in 2011.
In its decade together, the band has won a host of awards, including five Brit Awards and Best British Group twice, and it has been nominated for two Grammys. The group is also known for exploring a different aspect of the alternative genre in each album, as demonstrated in “AM.”
In the album, the group successfully experiments with richer, deeper sounds.
The tracks like “R U Mine?,” “I Want It All,” and “Fireside” show a sliver of the band’s former personality in the wake of its seemingly changing style. Such tracks have a quick pace, reminiscent of songs from the band’s past albums like “Old Yellow Bricks,” and are just as well-written as their older songs and albums.
“R U Mine?” is one of the first singles from “AM,” and is by far the album’s best track. Its abstract lyrics, rhythm and chorus are so enthralling that they make the song nearly perfect.
“Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?” stands as the most unique track in the Arctic Monkey’s repertoire thus far. The lyrics are honest and raw and sung by Turner in his trademark sultry tone, making the track irresistibly alluring. His rich vocals are also complemented by flawless guitar riffs, adding to the song’s layers.
Among the other wildly popular and noteworthy songs on the album is “Do I Wanna Know.” The song is entrancing, with a strong base line founded in heavy electric guitar riffs. The listener can’t help but be entruigued by the same deep vocals by Turner, making the song not only catchy but distinctive of the new direction that the Arctic Monkeys are continually heading.
The high-quality tracks featured on “AM” make the album a success; however, in terms of a wider scope of the band’s development, its experimentation demonstrates its musical vitality but is still indicative of its yet unreached potential.
With “AM,” the Arctic Monkeys continue to explore the varied alternative genre, even if their heavy drums and guitar emphasis feels a bit too similar to their peers like the Black Keys. The album is composed of minimal lo-fi sounds and a myriad of rich, acoustic beats, as well as Turner’s powerful vocals. Overall, “AM” is yet another success for the Arctic Monkeys, whose popularity and fan-base is still on the rise. Despite a few weaker links, the overall album is full of outstanding hits.
As a clear change from its beginnings, “AM” is filled with quality singles thanks to the outstanding talent of each member of The Arctic Monkeys in another incredible album under the band’s belt.
“AM” was released Sept. 9 and is available retail and digitally.
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