Arctic Monkeys: Temporarily "washing hands of swords" because of too much... success

After a successful run of sold-out stadium shows across the United States, British indie rock band Arctic Monkeys are planning to take a break from music—literally.

Considered by music critics to be one of the best bands in the world today, Arctic Monkeys seem to be indifferent to the accolades and success that are coming their way.

CD cover AM, the fifth studio album by the band Arctic Monkeys

Tired of success

In an interview with AFP at the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo, Japan, the band members said they wanted to temporarily suspend all musical activities, even though they were making waves in the notoriously difficult US market.

“After releasing our fifth studio album, AM, last September, we felt like we were in no rush to do anything else. We haven’t really had a break since we formed in 2002. I don’t think we can tour again,” says drummer Matt Helders.

Arctic Monkeys, a four-piece band, rose to fame in 2006 with their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not. With a series of songs that expressed the full vitality of youth, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not attracted a large number of fans. This was the best-selling debut album in the UK, achieving 5 platinum titles.

“Every time we record, we try to go a little further musically,” Helders said. “When we recorded our third album, Humbug, we saw it as a big step forward and it gave us the confidence to do something different.”

In total, Arctic Monkeys have won seven Brit Awards, three for Best British Band and Best British Album. They recently topped the Billboard charts with their new album AM.

The band also played sold-out stadium shows across the US, where frontman Alex Turner became a sex symbol with his bobbed hair and leather vest.

Shift in music

Compared to previous albums, AM shows a darker, deeper color. Heartbreaking sadness is the main theme in this music album. “AM is considered a musical product that looks back on our past journey. Therefore, we made it more carefully. Perhaps at this time, we are considered one of the biggest bands in the world. However, I have never taken that title seriously. I don't want to live with the thought that I am on top of the world” – Helders expressed.

Guitarist Jamie Cook also said that AM was a big change in the music of Arctic Monkeys compared to their early albums. “The sound of the album is more influenced by R&B and hip-hop,” Cook said.

Critics have compared AM to the work of Dr. Dre or songs written by the band Spiders from Mars. “The album has more groove while reducing the traditional rock guitars,” Herder said. “It's an interesting album.”

According to TT&VH