Album two: laser wit, darker themes, and sky-cracking riffs

A dramatic change in circumstances can prompt paralysis in some bands, but Arctic Monkeys use their expanded worldview to fuel this thundering, complex return. Whether taking aim at disposable singing-contest culture (“Teddy Picker”) or crafting a dark, desert-rock epic inspired by muckraking journalists (“If You Were There, Beware”), Alex Turner rises to the challenge of a lyrical life beyond the ritz and rubble of Sheffield on a Saturday night. There’s a palpable sonic progression too. “Brianstorm” is a whirl of surf guitar and pulverizing drums, while “505”—a deft snapshot of tour-sick desire—builds to a glistening, worthy finale.