Arctic Monkeys Prep to Defrost New Album

In the wide and varied world we know as alternative music, animal band names seem to be a hot commodity in recent years. Most of the time, they've been pretty easy to study: the mastodon did exist at one point, wolves could conceivably travel in parades, and foxes (probably) have a decent enough landspeed. One in particular, though, defies easy analysis: the elusive arctic monkey. We may never know how (most) monkeys could survive the extremes of the polar climate, but we do know this: the band bearing that biologically dubious name has just announced a release date and tracklist for its third album.

The as-yet-untitled album (complete with a little bit of West-Coast flavor in the form of producer Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age) is due out Aug. 25 in CD, vinyl and digital formats. It promises to be an engaging departure from the Sheffields' usual pub-rock élan, if ClashMusic's prosaic preview of the album is to be believed: "The confidence of the musicianship on show is stunning - they have completely defied any expectations or presumptions to explore the depths they can reach when stepping foot outside their accepted styles." The tracklist is as follows:

1. My Propeller

2. Crying Lightning

3. Dangerous Animals

4. Secret Door

5. Potion Approaching

6. Fire and the Thud

7. Cornerstone

8. Dance Little Liar

9. Pretty Visions

10. The Jeweller's Hands

No word yet on any touring plans, but the band will be playing at both All Points West and Lollapalooza in August. If you find yourself in the frozen north, keep your eyes peeled for primates. They're coming.