Brit's superstars: the Arctic Monkeys

Only three years since their debut and the Arctic Monkeys have already endured losing a band member, headlined festivals next to the likes of Radiohead, manifested a front man side project, and received hype comparable to that which surrounded four other adolescent brit-pop rockers. Unlike the original "Fab Four," the Arctic Monkeys have struggled to gain mass popularity on this side of the Atlantic. Their success in the U.K. is a different story. Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not sold over 360,000 copies in its first week, making it the fastest selling debut in the United Kingdom ever. In 2007, they dropped the loud and fast Favorite Worst Nightmare, which was a solid album in its own right. After two years of anticipation they released Humbug on August 25, 2009.On Humbug, the Arctic Monkeys have not strayed too far from their bread and butter. The characteristic syncopated riffs and perceptive lyrics are still here in full force. That said, this album sounds very different from their previous work. Simply put, our little Monkeys are growing up. Alex Turner's lyrics have always felt as if they were coming from an old soul, now it seems as though the band's aesthetic is finally starting to match. That is not to say that the album does not rock, but it is in a bluesy way that your dad might enjoy. The band as a whole is much more focused on song structure and arrangement. When compared to their older works, there is a feeling of restraint throughout the album, trading much of their youthful energy for a more subdued, mature mood.Musically, Humbug is full of loose, rhythmic rock songs. The addition of more guitars, synths, and backing vocals give the mix an atmospheric texture. This may be a result of producers Josh Homme, from Queens of the Stone Age, and James Ford, of Simian Mobile Disco. Ford also produced for Turner's side project, The Last Shadow Puppets. The album was also recorded at Joshua Tree, California. Their D.I.Y. garage rock vibe has been replaced by lush textures and a more methodical mixing process. Turner's vocals are front and center, as they should be. His melodies in "Cornerstone" are quaint and delicate while his quick rhythmic delivery in the verses of "Secret Door" carries a hip-hop influence. Helders's drum beats are par for the course, precise and full of quick fills. The bass here plays a distinctly different role, abandoning dirty distorted tones in favor of one thick and mellow. All in all, Humbug is good, not great. It will most likely be looked back on as a transition album. It's the product of a band going through some sonic experimentation without settling into anything too comfortable. This is an important, yet somewhat awkward step. Not surprising coming from a band of adolescents turning into a band of adults that have a lot going for them. Fast forward 10 years, a couple of drug addictions, and a guitar-less album later and the Arctic Monkeys may have defined rock for a generation.