Arctic Monkeys - Whatever People Say I Am Album Review

Artist - Arctic Monkeys
Album - Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Label - Domino

It's hard to approach this album without a view already formed by the hype the album has had. The band from Sheffield achieved a number one single based on Internet word-of-mouth and downloads, and are being hailed by the usual suspects as the 'next great thing.' So, actually listening to it with an open mind, what's it like? Well, it's fine, rock with a decent 80s punk attitude, and a good line in straight, witty lyrics, like a Northern version of the Strokes, or a slightly more sneery Jet mixed with the Kinks. However, it's not as good at what it does as the Subways album, although it's a hundred times better than the Futureheads. Unlike the Subways' disc, this is clearly a debut album, missing out on some musical polish. So, does it deliver on the hype? No. That would be hard. Perhaps that's a tad unfair on this band, who shouldn't be judged in that light. They've made a great first album. Let's hope the second builds on it.

7/10

Mike Rea
Adult Contemporary Essentials

Review 2

Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Domino
Album Review

Selling an outstanding 120,000 copies on its first day of release, outselling the rest of the top 20 album chart combined, the longly awaited debut album from the Arctic Monkeys is finally here! Released on the 23rd of January a vibrant and energetic sound is brought from the four Sheffield boys.

Arctic Monkeys formed in 2002, and by 2004 became increasingly popular with online demos available for download. Lyricly inspired by dance floors, riots and scummy men, the Arctic Monkeys have been compared to The Jam, The Clash and on a more modern tone, named as 'Northern Libertines'.

This, what I believe to be a fantastic album crammed with bangin' tunes, brings the popluar pre-released singles, such as, 'I bet you look good on the dancefoor' and 'when the sun goes down', the remainder of the 11 tracks doesn't fail to impress. My personal favorite of these being 'Mardy-bum' one of those type of tracks that keeps you humming along to all day with an attractive melody, that you not just want to, but need to listen to over and over again.

Another personal highlight is 'Certain Romance', it brings a gentle guitar rift accopannied by an addictive and rythmic baseline. An ideal conclusion to a genius album from a very talented young group.

Currantly touring the UK, I feel this is only the beginning for this explosive indie-rock band. The majority of gigs are sadly sold out for the next two months on this NME tour, however they are then due to tour world wide including L.A., Hamburg and Tokyo.

jude kitchin