LateNightTales: Matt Helders — Arctic Monkeys

This compilation is a masterclass in the 'drummer's ear,' where Matt Helders prioritizes the pocket and the groove above all else. It doesn't just collect songs; it constructs a rhythmic DNA of the influences that shaped the early Arctic Monkeys sound, but filtered through a smoky, nocturnal lens.

From the raw, distorted power of 70s proto-punk to the clinical, bass-heavy precision of 2000s grime, the mix feels like a curated tour of a city after the lights have dimmed.

It captures that specific headspace of being wide awake while the rest of the world sleeps, where the music needs to be engaging enough to keep you company but atmospheric enough to match the darkness outside.

Moments Worth Listening For

The seamless transition from the heavy psych-rock of The Stooges into the electronic pulse of Yamasuki.

The inclusion of Helders' own track Dreamer which showcases his production chops outside the band.

Alex Turner's closing spoken word piece A Choice of Three which grounds the mix in a specific Northern English melancholy.

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Where This Album Departs

How does LateNightTales: Matt Helders sound next to the rest of Arctic Monkeys's catalogue?

This album stays in step with the catalogue across the board — no axis departs enough to be worth its own note. Hover the dots to see where each one sits.

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