Brit Music Scene

Arctic Monkeys – ‘Crying Lightning’ Music Video Review

Posted: 17 Aug 2009 01:43 PM PDT

Arctic Monkeys have been around for seven years now, although most of us only learned of their existence in 2005 when they crashed on to the scene with I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor. There are of course thousands of people who claim to have been into the band years before they hit the big-time but in reality those people number a relatively small amount of Sheffield scenesters.

In that seven years since they’ve been together Arctic Monkeys have evolved substantially, with their sound slowly progressing from being completely in your face to something much more refined. Their lyrics have also raised the bar, being much more thoughtful and intelligent now than before.

And you can see that evolution in action with the first single from their new album, Humbug. It’s called Crying Lightning, it’s out today (Aug. 17) in the U.K. and it’s very different to anything that the band have released before. Whether that’s a good thing or not is really down to your personal taste on the matter.

I happen to like it. Very much. It’s a song that feels grown-up, that feels like it’s come from adults who are intelligent, creative, and very talented. Which of course it has. Sure, many people will hanker for the early sound of the Arctic Monkeys but that’s not who they now are. They’ve moved on and we need to do so as well.

Crying Lightning is a song that burrows its way into your head very quickly. The heavy bassline encompasses everything, while some fine guitars and memorable lyrics play around on top of it. Arctic Monkeys always manage to include a catchy chorus and Crying Lightning is no exception. The whole thing is brilliantly produced and is definitely up there with the best Arctic Monkeys songs.

I’m not so keen on the video however. Directed by Richard Ayoade, it’s certainly pleasing on the eye and unique but it all seems a little over the top and strange for an Arctic Monkeys video. I kind of associate the band with real-life Britain, and the setting of the video doesn’t fit in with that. But maybe that’s the point. The sound has changed, and so has the image the band want to portray.

Song: 9/10
Video: 6/10

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[Photo Source: Amazon.co.uk]

Post from: Brit Music Scene