Arctic Monkeys
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006)

The Arctic Monkeys debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not is quite a debut for a band that this time last year, were only really known in their home town of Sheffield. We all know the story of how they got to where they are now (internet etc) so I shall not go on about what we already know. The first track on the album, ‘View From The Afternoon’ sets the pace of the whole album, an upbeat and energetic track which has parts that are just brilliant with 2 guitars taking it in turn to hit notes. Straight after this you get the first single ‘I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor’ which continues on from the first song in brilliant social commentary of events. The style of lyrics that the Arctic Monkeys use throughout the album is the form of writing about what has happened to them, what they’ve seen, which in turn creates some brilliant lyrics. Track 8 - ‘Red Light Indicates The Doors Are Secured’ is a great example of the quality of lyrics that are in this album.

We get one offering of a more slowly paced song in the album, track 7 - ‘Riot Van’, again talking about being on the run from the police even though they didn’t do anything to run away from. This song could have easily been a fast paced song like the others, but it works really well in the position of the album. The album comes to a close with the set closer ‘A Certain Romance’, a powerfully driven song mixing up between distorted guitar and clean strumming. The ending to the song is perfect to end the album. Overall this album does deserve much credit, you will want to listen to this from start to finish.


+ Review by Ryan

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