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Arctic Monkeys : 'Crying Lightning'

Arctic Monkeys : 'Crying Lightning'

 

Released: 17th August 2009

Label: Domino Records

 

 

Don’t believe the hype. The message originally conveyed by Arctic Monkeys when bursting onto the scene in 2005 was a calm, almost lazy welcome to the fame that lay ahead of them. Well now “Monkey mania” is back, and as big as ever.

‘Crying Lightning’ has been the subject of many a debate by Monkeys fans since the first grainy recordings by Australian gig goers showcased the song back in January. Initially hailed by many as the best of the new songs on show, hype towards this song has built to a fever pitch.

Dark, slow and almost psychedelic, Arctic Monkeys seem intent on morphing and twisting their sound on every album.  This statement could be justified by Alex Turners reaction during the making of the video to 'Crying Lightning' when asked what the concept of it should be. “It’s just fucking with people’s heads man”, replied the front man.

In truth, the songs a “grower”. Those hoping to find the Monkeys have gone back to the sound of their debut will be bitterly disappointed, whereas those hoping for another mainstream hit such as 'Fluorescent Adolescent' will also have to swallow a bitter pill. Vampire-like guitars, intricate little riffs and a darkness that enshrouds the track from the very beginning, 'Crying Lightning' is like no Monkeys track ever seen before.

Initially, the sound of Turners voice disturbed me. Rather than the authoritative voice seen in 'Brianstorm', or the crooning sound in The Last Shadow Puppets 'My mistakes were made for you', he sings the opening exchanges in what can be described as little more than a whisper. However, my doubts were soon laid to rest as the song progressed, with the powerful vocals returning in their glorious entirety.

Lyrically, Turner has delivered what we have all come to expect; genuine class. “Your past times, consisted of the strange, and twisted and deranged, and I hate that little game you had called, Crying Lightning”. Entwined between O’Malley’s dominant bass, Cooke’s flowing riffs and Helder’s pounding drumbeats, the flow of the vocals remains constant and well-executed.

Different; perhaps unexpected. Maybe it will be received like marmite, you either love it, or hate it. Whatever happens, 'Crying Lightning' is only a taste of what’s to come.

Score: 7/10

 

Words: Alex Read

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