For a group whose early lyrics came crammed with cheeky one-liners, it was sometimes tricky to gauge how much Arctic Monkeys really enjoyed being in a band. They have at times seemed suspicious of their own fame, and their last two records appeared keen to be taken seriously rather than loved. This fifth, however, manages to connect those different directions – the muscular riffs of Humbug and the wistful pop of Suck It and See – with the bristling energy and sense of fun that propelled their initial recordings. Developments include a focus on falsetto (courtesy of drummer Matt Helders and bassist Nick O'Malley), a feather-light touch of the Velvet Underground (Mad Sounds), and a sexual frisson Jarvis would trade his sauciest wink for. Indeed, Turner's revelation that he's "constantly on the cusp" during Do I Wanna Know? could be enough to warrant a Parental Advisory sticker all on its own.
Tim Jonze
The GuardianTramp
