Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm (Domino)
4/5
By: Michael Cragg
'Brianstorm' is just 'Brainstorm' but with the 'a' and the 'i' swapped round. Geddit? Clever, huh? 'Brian' is a character in the song, see. It makes sense when you think about it. Ah, those little Sheffield scamps, with their witty cynicism and Alex Turner's poetic eye for the mundane, are back, back, back and bigger, louder and funkier then ever. 'Brianstorm', terrible pun aside, is a brilliant taster for the forthcoming 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', the hasty follow-up to their million-selling debut, 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not'.
We all know the Arctic Monkeys' story by now: The apparent 'Myspace' effect creating an army of devoted fans before a note was released, then the two number ones singles, followed by the fastest selling UK debut album in history. However, around the time the awards started rolling in a small backlash had formed, perpetuated by the behaviour of the band themselves. Shyness in interviews came across as nonchalance, or worse, arrogance, and an EP 'Who The F**k Are Arctic Monkeys?', showed that musically they'd lost some of their zip and youthful exuberance.
'Brianstorm', all rollicking drums and voodoo bass, soon dispels any fears; its first thirty seconds alone are enough to set the anticipation levels for the second album to bursting point. Critics have pointed out the lack of a noticeable chorus, and on first listen it can come across as slight, but with each listen the hooks begin to reveal themselves. Firstly, after the intro, a brilliant, almost playful guitar riff kicks in whilst Turner's, "See you later, innovator" continues his habit of knocking out pithy one-liners. But perhaps the most startling thing about it is the ferocity with which it's played, the drums alone are enough to knock down a four-storey building if played at top volume.
They'll never match the cultural impact they had with their first album, but 'Brianstorm' shows a band that have beefed up their musical ambitions without consciously alienating their fan base. They've also managed to single-handedly ridicule those music fashionistas who think they're above everybody simply because of their "T-Shirt and tie combination". I think we've all met someone like that haven't we?
Watch the video to 'Brianstorm' HERE.
Artists in this article: Arctic Monkeys
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