[rating=4.00]
The Arctic Monkeys fourth proper release is unlike any of their past work which keeps things fresh and adds to their growing catalog of enchanting songs. This time around the group focuses their talents on 60’s pop, crafting ditties that can jangle a tambourine or trip out a touch in front of Alex Turner’s ear catching lyrics. He isn’t pulling at the local pub anymore, this go around he is concerned with couplets, word play and the occasional forlorn lover that lurks in his past; few are as clever/cheeky with pop lyrics as Turner.
The opening duo of “She’s Thunderstorm’s” and “Black Treacle” bend guitar notes in front of head swaying drum jingles while “The Hellcat Spangled Shalala” shows off the prerequisite Shalala’s recalling a Phil Specter warble; all constructed around bopping bass lines. “Brick by Brick” is just that, a foundation with thick attitude that young Mick and Keith would be proud of as some slight feedback rolls off the edges. Josh Homme pops up singing background (instead of producing) on “All My Own Stunts” which creeps with eastern flashes before Turner goes into what he does best (see Humbug’s “Cornerstone”), reaching out into the lonely black night, contemplating a lost partner in “Love is a Laserquest”.
Suck It And See, despite it’s daring title (and boring cover) is the most straight forward the Monkeys have sounded; they’ve added their Sheffield style to some simplistic pop rock and received odd results that only they could. At times they remind of The Kinks (“Reckless Serenade”) before they roll into a freak-out with The Mighty Boosh (“Don’t Sit Down’ cause I Moved Your Chair”), but it all ends up Monkey style when the disk ends. A band that was bombarded with overhype when it arrived continues to grow and make good on the expectations focusing on what is important; interesting music.
