Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

The difficult third album. The record where ideas generally become exhausted and oversaturated, or see a radical shift in direction - either way, this usually ends in a band losing their hardened fanbase, who are either sick of the recycled themes, or cynical of their newly discovered sound. Arctic Monkeys on the other hand, have remained true to their British roots found on albums 1 and 2, whilst still absorbing a newer, heavier and weirder rock influence.

But don't worry longterm fans, this isn't the sound of a band desperate to break into the U.S. rock market; all the trademarks of their past work is present, from Alex Turner's unique wordplay, through to the riffage, rhythms and quintessential Englishness - yet this time, they've become darker, and more psychedelic during the construction process. It has to be the input of Josh Homme, the Queens of the Stone Age guitarist, who produced the Sheffield rockers, that has seen this shape-shifting sound. His influence has resulted in a beefier, slower, and moodier listen than we've heard previously.

There has been much talk of the band growing up since 2008's 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', prior to the release of 'Humbug'. While that isn't the case, Arctic Monkeys do display signs of becoming a stronger unit; a tighter group of musicians not afraid to venture into deeper, weirder realms. Inspiring.