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Humbug

It’s clear from Humbug’s moody, languid opening track, "My Propeller", that the Arctic Monkeys have changed musical tack for album number three. Following the frenetic nature of Whatever People Say I Am… and Favourite Worst Nightmare, this change of direction was perhaps inevitable, but the band seem to have gone all out to trade in the urgent pop-punk riffs of yesteryear for a series of slower, murkier atmospheres conjured up by Queens of the Stone Age producer Josh Homme and James Ford (Simian Mobile Disco). The thumping, insistent drums, Doors-esque organ sounds and twanging, curling guitars create a Gothic/fairground sound that combines well with Turner’s northern brogue and cheeky (and sometimes absurd) lyricism, especially on catchy tracks like first single "Crying Lightning" and "Dangerous Animals". Punchier cuts like "Potion Approaching" and the "Pretty Visitors" revert back to the band’s previous style, but the rolling "Secret Door" and "Cornerstone" have more in common with Turner’s Last Shadow Puppets project. At just 39 minutes, Humbug’s economy of style is matched to the general feeling of restraint and distinctive pop ethic to create a perfect new sound for Sheffield’s most famous maturing Monkeys. --Danny McKenna

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