Having never really listened to these guys before, I’m feeling maybe I missed the boat? Arctic Monkeys don’t sound like the hole I was trying to peg them into – a judgment, maybe, influenced by their look. There I go again, living by the motto, judge the book by its cover, not the other way around. But, it could also be because Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) produced Humbug, a record with a surprisingly dark and sinister vibe throughout. Opening song “My Propeller” has a very gloomy feel to it, from singer Alex Turner’s low, pouting delivery to the downwardly spiraling guitar from Jamie Cook. Turner brings a more upbeat pace and some wonderful melodies to “Crying Lightning,” a great pop tune on a relatively dark record, repeating the chorus, “Your past times consisted of the strange, twisted and deranged, and I hate that little game you had called, Crying Lightning.”

When “Dangerous Animals” kicks in, you may think you’re hearing the music from Gary Numan’s hit, “Cars,” but that thought is quickly buried by the heavy distortion used on Cook’s guitar. Turner’s cadence in the song is great as well, spelling out “Animals” and “Dangerous” throughout the song gives it a sing-a-long quality. “Secret Door” sounds like it could have easily been a Franz Ferdinand hit, but I like the haunting feel Turner brings with his voice, a sense of want: “Fools on parade cavort and carry on for waiting eyes / The ones you would rather be beside than in front of / She’s never been the kind to be hallowed by the stars.” “Potion Approaching” is an amazing song that pays homage to the grunge era. Pummeling drums and muddled guitars take you back to the ‘90s, and you can envision these guys playing shows with the likes of Nirvana and Mudhoney.
“Fire And the Thud” sounds like a British version of QOTSA’s “The Lost Art Of Keeping A Secret.” A creeping beginning with low vocals sets the mood and a hum of “oohs” and “ahhs” underneath add a bit of Raveonettes’ flair – add it up and you’ve got quite the alternative pop song. The feverish speed displayed on “Pretty Visitors” showcases drummer Matt Helders’ ability to carry a song, with his blast-beats and drum fills, all the while keeping the pulse of the song rooted. The album ends on a beautiful note with Andy Nicholson’s great bass playing pushing “The Jeweller’s Note.” His heavy groove establishes the muddy path the music takes on this closeout track, lightly aided by a wailing guitar and low-end vocals. Josh Homme and the Arctic Monkeys have crafted a wonderfully dark alternative/pop record.