Internal Debate: Arctic Monkeys, Humbug

The early returns, at least from our end, on Humbug, the latest from Arctic Monkeys, should merit major consideration for Album of the Year when it comes time to vote. Five reviewers weighed in on the latest from across the pond and all five shower it with effusive praise. Thus, the idea of Internal Debate has been lost on an album that’s simply so good.

Here’s the latest in our ID series and five reasons you should consider plunking down your hard earned cash to check out Humbug for yourself:

Growing up is hard to do, especially when your claim to fame is your youthful exuberance and impish wit. Thankfully, Arctic Monkeys mature the only way they know how — on their own terms. They slow things down for Humbug, just to show us how much they’ve grown. They get sinister and dark, they create textured webs of harmony and guitar, and they pen uncomfortably funny lyrics about sexual obsession. Oh, yeah… they also rock the hell out of this thing. [Josh Hurst]

It doesn’t take Arctic Monkeys long to separate themselves from other more Neanderthal-esque primates in the rock kingdom, as they spell out the title to “Dangerous Animals” during the track’s chorus. But there is also much sweetness, as well as smartness, found on this project, particularly exemplified by “Cornerstone” with its Morrissey-like torch vocal. Only a scrooge could dislike Humbug. Arctic Monkeys are easily some of the most advanced members of the alternative rock species. [Dan MacIntosh]

Arctic Monkeys picked up a very un-rockstar characteristic on their third album, Humbug: subtlety. There’s very little bombast in the vein of their earlier tunes, but what they lack in balls-out attitude, they make up for intensity. “My Propeller” sounds like the most sinister James Bond theme song ever recorded, while “Dance Little Liar” and “Pretty Visitors” show the Monkeys stretching their boundaries to encompass more intriguing territory than ever before. And, Jesus, just try to get “Crying Lightning” out of your head. The Arctic Monkeys are the rare rock band that live up to their talent and hype. [Scott Elingburg]

Three albums in and the Arctic Monkeys have made their Beatles-like transformation. Humbug is far from their exuberant but somewhat juvenile debut, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. While the Monkeys retain the wit and enthusiasm previously displayed, they now play with a newfound sense of sophistication. Whether it’s the syncopated rhythms of “Dangerous Animals” or the subtlety of “Secret Door,” Humbug delivers each and every time. The result is an almost art house tone – miles from their Libertines sound of the past. [Jason McDowell]

Humbug plays like two diabolical minds planning a heist. It is both smooth and vicious. Alex Turner still sounds like the indie rock equivalent of James Bond — much like he did on the Last Shadow Puppets project — and Josh Homme’s trademark desert thumps dominate even on the few tracks he didn’t produce. This equates to the most interesting offering from Arctic Monkeys to date. The elements are best displayed on “Crying Lightning” and “Fire and The Thud.” But from beginning to end, this one doesn’t miss a mark. [William Trinity III]

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