‘Sketchhead’: the performance that proves Matt Helders is the most underrated drummer of the modern era
Most of what we consider to be the sound evolution of Arctic Monkeys is often viewed through a somewhat one-dimensional lens. It’s easy to remember their early days when their kitchen-sink lyricism was set against a Sheffield-specific backdrop and regard that as a singular touchpoint in the band’s wider transformation. However, Alex Turner’s half-spoken vocal delivery might have complemented the immersive experience of being just another local, but to focus solely on this would be to ignore the drumming prowess of another vital component: Matt Helders.
Released as part of the ‘Crying Lightning’ single in 2009, ‘Sketchhead’ is viewed by many as less of a traditional Arctic Monkeys song, not because it leans hard into their punk influences but because it showcases the full force of Helders as a contemporary drumming trailblazer. Released during the era of Humbug, the Monkeys were experimenting with a darker sound under Josh Homme’s guidance, but it would have little to no impact were it not for Helders’ frenetic rhythms.
Unlike most other Monkeys songs, ‘Sketchhead’ feels complete in its rawness, even though its execution runs more like a perfect mess. Helders drives the song with his high-energy performance, using rapid-fire beats that match the track’s intensity. His pace adds a sense of urgency and propulsion, keeping the momentum at an all-time high.
Many songs demonstrate Helders’ ability to oscillate between effortless rhythmic pounding and more complex patterns, not just on Humbug with tracks like ‘Crying Lightning’, ‘Pretty Visitors’, and ‘The Jeweller’s Hands’, but throughout their entire discography. From their debut to The Car, Helders’ attack provides a backbone that adds depth, nuance, and sophistication to the band’s overall sound.
However, ‘Sketchhead’ seems to stand out for many reasons. Firstly, his employment of intricacy in the form of quick fills and syncopated beats showcases his technical proficiency more than any other song in the band’s repertoire. One comment under the YouTube video reads, “the first time I heard this song I thought Matt Helders was a beast,” and that’s precisely what this song conveys: Helders’ ability to deliver a sense of unpredictability and excitement not captured as heavily in the edgy guitar riffs.
His performance isn’t just hard-hitting; it’s also incredibly calculated, but not at the expense of Helders’ own instincts. Many of the greatest drummers who ever lived understood the power of blending internal energy and intuition with technical adeptness and musical intelligence, and this song shows Helders at the peak of his capabilities. There’s a punchiness there but also a dynamism that proves him to be a master of structure and progression.
When discussing legendary drummers, most conversations neglect to mention Helders for various reasons, from their excellence being pinned mainly on the frontman to contemporary drummers finding it hard to land in the same categories as legendary acts like Ginger Baker or John Bonham. However, Helders’ undisputable brilliance when it comes to using innovative rhythms makes a strong case for his recognition among the drumming greats.
