Reviews

Like a bouncier, more energetic offspring of the Strokes comes the Arctic Monkeys and their new rebelliously-titled debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” This is apparently no coincidence, as the four-man band from Sheffield, England cite the Strokes as a source of their inspiration. Yet with the higher- octave vocals of lead singer and guitarist Alex Turner and their cocky, punk-inspired beats, it is tempting to more accurately relate them to the adrenaline-inducing Hives in several aspects. Since their sound is also quite similar to the previously reviewed We Are Scientists, Arctic Monkeys already had a sturdy leg-up from fellow Britpop bands upon their February 21st U.S. release.

Comparisons, however, can only take a band so far. The main indicator of talent, of course, is whether or not the Arctic Monkeys possess a sufficient amount of originality, in and of themselves. The answer is highly subjective and difficult to discern. Just when it seems that there is too much of a reliance on the musical techniques of their alt/indie rock influences, these cheeky little Monkeys pull a fast one, spitting out tracks like “From the Ritz to the Rubble” – a high-spirited, so-true-it’s-funny narration of a young man whose reflections on fate and societal taboos stem from his refused entry into a nightclub.

This example alone is evidence of why this band is so easily likeable; brutally honest and void of any frills, they remind listeners of the kind of friends who will blatantly tell you that yes, that boyfriend/girlfriend of yours is too clingy, and by the way, you have something stuck in your teeth. There’s something innately appealing about unembellished truth, which may be why the Arctic Monkeys are worth listening to.

With song titles such as “I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor,” “Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong, But…” and “You Probably Couldn’t See For the Lights But You Were Staring Straight At Me,” the tracks are proof of the all-in-the-name-of-fun attitude of its boys. Turner is backed by a clan who respond eagerly to his guitar riffs and nasal-emitting lyrics, making Jamie Cook (guitar), Andy Nicolson (bass) and Matt Helders (drums) equally creditable for the album’s boisterous and carefree feel.

Typical of young boys at play, the Arctic Monkeys rarely stop for breath. They’re all warm-up and no cool-off, making the album practically exhausting to listen to. Yet its energy is ultimately its very appeal. They must be doing something right, after all; this fast-playing quartet had the fastest-selling debut album ever upon its January 2006 release in Britain, making it safe to say that these four little Monkeys are jumping on the music scene. Here’s hoping they don’t bump their heads.