Album Review by Mark Bayross
You’ll already know the singles – WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN is currently doing the rounds and I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR was pretty much the theme tune to 2005 – but here is the much-anticipated debut album from Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys. With much resting on their young shoulders, I’m pleased to report that they more than rise to the challenge.
Alex Turner’s wry lyrics match his older-than-his-years world weary croon while the music crosses punk, ska, rock and northern soul and just oozes swagger and confidence. References will undoubtedly be drawn with everyone from The Jam to The Smiths, The Stone Roses to Oasis, and all are fairly accurate, but although there is nothing essentially new here, it still manages to sound invigorating.
The likes of FAKE TALES OF SAN FRANCISCO and FROM THE RITZ TO THE RUBBLE are on their way to becoming crossover classics like I BET YOU LOOK GOOD ON THE DANCEFLOOR while the more melancholy RIOT VAN and MARDY BUM hint at a depth of songwriting that should see them good for a few more albums at least.
Still, I challenge anyone to listen to this without cracking a wide smile.
