Since releasing their debut album around ten years ago, they've managed to leave quite a legacy in a relatively short space of time; a legacy which seems to have gotten people from across the country to get together, play music, and most importantly, sing in their native accents.
With the best Yorkshire band of all time taking a lengthy hiatus since the end of their AM album tour, it seems that the world is in dire need of some audio delights to temporarily replace the band formerly known as Death Ramps. Cracking name, that is.
Without further ado, here are three tunes to hopefully fill your Monkeys appetite before they start recording again, (which won't be any time soon, I'm afraid).
The Blinders - Murder At The Ballet
I swear these guys must've been a Monkeys tribute band in a former life, although looking at their SoundCloud profile and their live videos, you certainly wouldn't think it.
Originally from Doncaster, (not too far from Sheffield), but now based in Manchester, The Blinders are a three-piece aiming to mash together elements of both punk and psychedelic music, resulting in a sound reminiscent of Arctic Monkeys.
I mean, a bit of subtlety wouldn't kill lads, but it's still another cracking tune. The above 'ICB Blues' starts off by giving you nostalgic throwbacks to earlier Arctic Monkeys' tunes, but then proceeds to evolve into an entirely new and original animal. And this is the perfect way to justify sounding like another band; roping people in, and then showcasing your true potential when you've got the audience.
This isn't to say that this is what The Blinders are doing, certainly not. It's just that the parallels in the sound of the two bands definitely has some overlap, appealing and enticing listeners who may not have immediately enjoyed their efforts.
Their debut EP includes tunes which sound like both 'Favourite Worst Nightmare', and 'AM', the aforementioned 'Murder At The Ballet' giving you a vibe like the last Monkeys' album.
It's dark, sinister, and it goes from a slow, plodding pace, into a tastefully mental breakdown. It's all lovely stuff indeed.
Milburn - Send in the Boys
Ah yes, the curious case of Milburn. They've been going since 2001, and split up in 2008, only to start a reunion tour at the start of this year.
They never really got anywhere in the indie scene, but they're legendary status as part of Sheffield's prestigious music heritage has kept them in prominence, at least locally. Hence, if you're outside of the steel city, you've probably never heard of them. But if you're a native of Sheffield, you'll know that they're immensely popular.
Swept up around the same time that the Arctic Monkeys exploded in the mid-noughties, Milburn have been accused of being overrated, being signed in an array of post-Monkeys hype due to their similar sound.
I'll let you make up your own mind on the matter. While I'm indifferent to the band, their seemingly familar sound is somewhat undeniable. You get a sense that an excess of Monkeys fans found solace in Milburn's offering of clean, memerable riffs and an invitation to go mental at a number of opportunities during their songs.
Either way, they've got a significant following and a remarkable live atmosphere, so they must be doing something right.
They never really got anywhere in the indie scene, but they're legendary status as part of Sheffield's prestigious music heritage has kept them in prominence, at least locally. Hence, if you're outside of the steel city, you've probably never heard of them. But if you're a native of Sheffield, you'll know that they're immensely popular.
Swept up around the same time that the Arctic Monkeys exploded in the mid-noughties, Milburn have been accused of being overrated, being signed in an array of post-Monkeys hype due to their similar sound.
I'll let you make up your own mind on the matter. While I'm indifferent to the band, their seemingly familar sound is somewhat undeniable. You get a sense that an excess of Monkeys fans found solace in Milburn's offering of clean, memerable riffs and an invitation to go mental at a number of opportunities during their songs.
Either way, they've got a significant following and a remarkable live atmosphere, so they must be doing something right.
Reverend and the Makers - Mr Glassalfempty
Reverend and the Makers have quickly become one of my favourite British bands over recent years, showing a great progression between their albums. Of course, the most progress has been made along with their latest album, the stellar 'Mirrors', which has been acclaimed by the older Gallagher brother, no less.
If you're a fan of the Arctic Monkeys, then honestly, you've probably already found this band. I mean, Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has worked with them previously, and the Makers even supported their mates on their debut tour.
That being said, these two Sheffield bands have grown in very different ways; Arctic Monkeys have created a fine balance between their roots, and modern day pop infused with guitars, whereas the Makers have gone for a mixed 70s concept album, taking them through a multitude of genres in the process.
But more importantly, what should you expect from this particular song? Well, a bit of The Clash and Noel Gallagher, mostly, with their own original and extensively developed sound.
If you're a fan of 'Mr Glassalfempty', just treat yourself and have a look at the entirety of 'Mirrors'. It's an album that demands a play from start to finish.
Still after more tunes that sound like Arctic Monkeys? Well, apologies, I'm all out of ideas. Hopefully for the next instalment, I'll manage to stop rambling on about Northern bands. Although I wouldn't get your hopes up, if I were you.
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