Humbug

Let's be honest, the early signs were not good. Recording in the Mojave desert, talk of a 'heavier, rockier direction', early publicity photos sporting long hair and moustaches... were Arctic Monkeys turning into The Killers circa the Sam's Town era?

The hype surrounding Arctic Monkeys' 2006 debut album was so monstrous it threatened to swallow the band and its music whole. And a lesser band might have been swallowed, but it should be clear by now that Arctic Monkeys weren't undone by a little media frenzy. It's no surprise: They're a skilled band that writes complex songs filled with unexpected musical turns, wit, and observational acumen. They have a level of musicianship that hasn't been fashionable sin ce the 70s, but they employ it in a modern way, and everyone I've heard doubt the group changed their mind when I played them one of their records.