Alex Turner and the boys have certainly grown up significantly since their debut explosion, and now they're back to show everyone that they are a lot more than one-album-wonders on their newest CD, 'Favourite Worst Nightmare'.

There is a strong start to the album with the first single to be lifted from it, 'Brianstorm'. A huge build up of crashing guitars leads to an instantly memorable riff that generates the success and keeps the loved Arctic Monkeys sound in their music. Subsequent tracks 'Teddy Picker' and 'D Is For Dangerous' also retain the addictive sound, and 'Fluorescent Adolescent' is somewhat reminiscent of 'Mardy Bum'.

However, the album soon moves to an overall slower sound. While many of the songs keep the addictive guitar riffs and neat bass patterns that made up their success, there is a new, matured sound set to replace the catchy, slightly aggressive and bitter culture-minded sound. It adds depth, but loses much of what made the Arctic Monkeys so accessible.

As the album progresses, two things become apparent. The first is that they have become even more inclined to tell stories, with lines overriding the music behind it ('But I dont know that is what she isn't she murmors things to confirm that the tragedy is true' - The Bad Thing, for example) which makes for a sound that often doesn't sound quite right.

The second is that there are signs of the band are moving in a direction towards the plain, generic indie sound that currently overpowers the charts. It seems, frankly, that the Arctic Monkeys have lost some of their spark that made their debut so amazing. Even though many tracks grow on you, it's not something I would ever describe as amazing. There is an undeniable talent showing though; the music is well-written, the lyrics provide insight into clearly intellectual minds and there is a showcase of constantly impressive instrumental parts.

It was always going to be difficult to follow up the monster album of 'Whatever People Say I Am...' and despite a handful of instantly catchy songs, it's an album that takes a lot longer to love.