VIDEOS: Are these Arctic Monkeys' best bass moments?
5 July 2019, 15:30 | Updated: 5 July 2019, 16:41
We celebrate the birthday of Arctic Monkeys bassist Nick O'Malley by taking a look at some of their most deliciously bass-tastic tracks.
Arctic Monkeys' Nick O'Malley turns 34 this week, and to celebrate we've rounded up some tracks from the Sheffield rockers where the bass either takes centre stage, mirrors the energy of the riff, or helps to create the sumptuous mood of the track.
Get our rundown of some of Arctic Monkeys' best bass moments here...
READ MORE: This is what the original Arctic Monkeys' bassist looks like now
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Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
Arctic Monkeys - Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? (Official Video)
It's difficult not to put most of Arctic Monkeys' AM album on this list. Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High? is a typical example of the band using the bass to completely set the tone for a track. This time, O'Malley's bass helps give the single its unmistakeable R&B sound.
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Reckless Serenade
Reckless Serenade
Track eight from Suck It And See sees the bass take the lead, with an infectious riff which wouldn't be out of place on a 60s love song.
Simply perfection.
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Teddy Picker
Arctic Monkeys - Teddy Picker (Official Video)
This Favourite Worst Nightmare track sees the bass follow the song's infectious riff, which showcases some of Turner's lyricism at its best.
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Four Out Of Five
Arctic Monkeys - Four Out Of Five (Official Video)
Arctic Monkeys' Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino may not have had much guitar on it (with Alex Turner writing their sixth album mostly on piano), but the prominence of the bass line in their lead track is undeniable.
It's hard to imagine this laid back song driving audiences wild, but the bass very much sets the groove at their live gigs.
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Arabella
Arctic Monkeys - Arabella (Official Video)
Arabella is one of those Arctic Monkeys tracks that gives you pretty much everything in one song; Crashing cymbals, heavy guitars, laid-back verses and a cool AF bass line.
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Do I Wanna Know?
Arctic Monkeys - Do I Wanna Know? (Official Video)
The opening track on the Sheffield band's 2013 AM album exemplifies the band's move to a slicker, more polished sound. It's moody, it's laid back. It oozes cool and the bass line completely helps to set the tone.
Watch Alex Turner Matt Helders and perform a stripped-back version of the track at Radio X HQ.
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A Certain Romance
Arctic Monkeys A Certain Romance
The last track on their debut album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, A Certain Romance sees Matt Helders give us an absolutely heroic performance on the drums with Nick O'Malley's intertwining bass line as the perfect accompaniment.
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Crying Lightening
Arctic Monkeys - Crying Lightning (Official Video)
Taken from 2009's Humbug, Crying Lightening is an absolute fan favourite and its menacing bass line gives the track an eerie sound.
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Brianstorm
Arctic Monkeys - Brianstorm (Official Video)
One of Arctic Monkeys' most electrifying tracks, Brianstorm - which is taken from 2007's Favourite Worst Nightmare - is a masterclass in rock.
Heart attack-inducing drums from Matt Helders, superbly erratic guitars from Jamie Cook and a fantastic bass line from Nick O'Malley. All topped off by defiant lyrics from Mr. Turner.
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Mardy Bum
Mardy Bum
One of Arctic Monkeys' fans most-loved tracks, Mardy Bum sees Alex Turner's lyrics at some of their most honest. Telling the tale of a failing relationship, its almost fairytale-like sound sees the bass mostly mirror the guitar, which all makes for very effective storytelling.
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Knee Socks
Arctic Monkeys - Knee Socks
Another AM favourite, Knee Socks sees the bass take the lead once again, accompanied by a very cool drum beat.
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When The Sun Goes Down
Arctic Monkeys - When The Sun Goes Down (Official Video)
It takes a while for the bass to really kick in when it comes to this classic Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not track.
But by the time the third verse comes around on the song - which is affectionately known as Scummy Man - the bass (and everything else) hits you right between the eyes.
READ MORE: Is Arctic Monkeys' When The Sun Goes Down their darkest track?
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Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino (Official Video)
The title track from the band's last record is pure 70s lounge lizard, and Nick's bass perfectly transports us to Alex Turner's space hotel for ageing rock stars.
