Who the Fuck are the Arctic Monkeys

The somewhat ironically titled new EP by Sheffield’s finest can be classed as a great follow up to their debut album ‘Whatever People Say I Am…’, and although it is not quite as good as that album, it does show signs of some great things to come.
At first, you could be lead to believe that this is just a new single from the album, as it opens with the fantastic ‘A View from the Afternoon’. This probably only just edges it as the best song on this 5 track record. And with the re-recorded version of original demo ‘Cigarette Smoke’ (entitled ‘Cigarette Smoker Fiona’) following it up, this idea might still be sticking around. However, the sheer quality of this song makes you think again. As its raw aggression would make innocent young children wet themselves! The lyrics remain passionate as ever, although the veteran fans (if there can be such a thing due to the speed in which this band has risen to fame) might be a bit confused with the change of lyrics, the new ones are by far better, and slightly, if not by much, toned down. Nonetheless, it is still a fantastic song and one which will no doubt be loved by audiences over the world.
The third song on the EP, ‘Despair in the Departure Lounge’ is a solo effort by the lyrical genius that is Alex Turner, and although the opening lines (‘He’s pining for her in a people carrier’) might raise a few eyebrows, that’s what made us love them in the first place! This is one of those songs that you can imagine them playing in front of thousands of lighters in one of their world stadium tours. It also shows a more mature, grown up side to this band which, lest we forget, the members are still in the bottom end of their twenties. It’s the sort of song that you could imagine people with the calibre of Noel Gallagher playing. And it shows signs of what might be to come from this band.
As you listen to 4th song ‘No Buses’ there appears to be a sort of 60’s, Beatles vibe about it. Which isn’t a bad thing if you like that! It could be one for the older fans of the band, and although it isn’t the best song on this EP, it is still very good, and will no doubt end up being played on radios all over the world.
The final song, which shares its name with the EP, is magnificent. It is catchy and toe-tapping, however, there seems to be a darker side to it as the lyrics wonder what will become of the band (‘In five years time will it be ‘who the fuck’s Arctic Monkeys?’’). And halfway through the song, it takes a turn to the heavier side, combining two of their best attributes for this song, the melodious, catchy side, and the more aggressive side.
Although some people will be questioning their decision to release a new EP of songs so soon after the success of their debut album, this features some quality songs that will no doubt become classics. And while some people will be saying that this four-piece will be getting to big for their breeches, the quality of their music still remains, and will for quite a while yet! So in five years time will it be ‘Who the fuck’s Arctic Monkeys?’…..no chance!