Arctic Monkeys: Humbug

The first track, “My Propeller,” found the wild, free-wheeling Arctic Monkeys sounding shockingly like Morrissey. The stodgier approach is a bit of a humbug. The band was more fun when it ran roughshod and unrestrained. The new songs plod at mid-tempo with subdued guitars. Alex Turner’s accent has shifted from being extreme to being merely noticeable. This isn’t to say that these mature Monkeys are a drag. Humbug sets a somber mood, and the band sounds like they know what they’re doing. That is, it sounds like they’ve taken some music lessons. The result is a bit dark, but compelling.

Rating: * * * *

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