The third album to be released by Arctic Monkeys, Humbug, features ten new songs and was produced by Josh Homme in the Mojave Desert and Los Angeles and by James Ford in Brooklyn.

The album opens with 'My Propeller', which is a bit of a none event. While a solid enough track, it feels more like a b-side offering and I was surprised that they chose this to open the album. It just rumbles on without feeling like it's going anywhere.

'Crying Lightning', the album's second track (which is also the first single to be released from the album) would have been a much stronger track to open the album on. It's memorable and upbeat.

Other notable tracks include 'Secret Door' which feels a little like a Pulp track and 'Cornerstone' which has a Morrissey style to it.

While, on balance, I enjoyed this album I have to admit that it felt more like a collection of b-sides. There are no standout singles here other than 'Crying Lightning' and 'Cornerstone'. The rest of the album just seemed to meld into one.

7

Darren Rea