Arctic Monkeys are back next month with their fifth studio album and their latest single, Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? is clocking up the kind of radio airplay that the Sheffield band has been accustomed to since I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor hit in 2005. With a sold out UK tour later this year and their recent Glastonbury headline slot, they’re still riding high on waves of popularity, but does the latest single stack up to the genius of previous releases?
There’s a continuation of the dark bass and lyrics that have been such a strong element of Arctic Monkeys’ singles since the very beginning. This has stepped up in more recent years and it’s evident in abundance on Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? The main bass riff that opens up the track is strong and has a big impact in and amongst the interjecting sparsity.
However, the big evolution on their latest release is that it moves even further away from some of the more metal tones of Humbug to introduce a chunky element of RnB to the mix, which jumps up a notch too much part way through the song. There’s also a lot more pop in the overall flow of the song, despite the weight of the slow moving bass riff at the start of the song.
The lyrics are as approachable as ever, dealing with yet another situation that most of us will be able to relate to, looking at the decision to get in touch with an ex when you’re not at your best. They’re slow and weighty, dropping over the song like Alex’s tripped steps in the video to the single (see below).
The single on the video is a bit too broken up to be enjoyed for its music, but in general it’s well produced and follows the theme of Turners love lorn lyrics as he stumbles around out of his tree at the end of a night out repeatedly texting a girl about hooking up.
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? is set for a full release date through Domino Records on the 2nd September 2013, with upcoming album, AM, to follow on the 9th September. The record will also feature their other recent release, Do I Wanna Know?, as well as last year’s single, R U Mine?. Both of which have a similar sound to Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?, which could bode badly for AM.
Arctic Monkeys’ latest single is yet another experiment for the band, bringing an RnB overflow to their music. While it won’t necessarily knock their confidence or popularity, it’s definitely not the high pace rock smash they first began with. Something we’re more than a little regretful about.
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? review: 3.2/5
