British indie rock-poppers The Arctic Monkeys have returned with their fourth album, one that debuted at number one on the charts for some weeks.
The Arctic Monkeys have a likeness compared to that of the Beatles, another famous English prodigy. They emerged on the scene in 2006 with Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not which became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history. Quite a feat for four barely-20-year-olds. Now, releasing their fourth album, some were skeptical they'd hit their mid-career slump. Suck It And See proves otherwise. In fact, the Monkeys actually show more strength and solidity as a whole in perfecting their distinguishable sound.
The title, while at first may be interpreted otherwise, is a British expression meaning to "give it a try". The album opens with "She's Thunderstorms", a well-crafted opener that reels you in and sets the tone for the rest of the album as a bit more lyrically and emotionally evolved than we've seen before. There's a good mix of the more rock-inspired tracks like "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair" where there is some Black Sabbath feel to the dark lyrics: "do the Macarena in the devils lair, but don't sit down 'cause I've moved your chair". On a more quirky, pop note, there's "The Hellcat Spangled Shalalala" where a catchy chorus complements meaningful verses. In fact, nearly all the songs warrant a closer listen as this album is more deftly crafted with more meaning intertwined, some easier to interpret than others as Alex Turner touches on subjects like cowboys and weather ("Black Treacle") to "topless models" ("Reckless Serenade") and heartfelt contemplations about love ("Love Is A Laserquest").
The Arctic Monkeys continue to deliver their signature and undeniably catchy pop ballads with a rocker vibe on Suck It And See. There's more here than meets the eye, as this album warrants a close listen to the lyrics while enjoying the tunes. This fourth album shows the band's progress, as its members are now nearly 25 years-old, a still young age to be in mid-career successfully. As the Brits say, "suck it and see"-- you won't be disappointed.
By: Chelsea Olson
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