arctic monkeys were already massive way before they inked a deal with domino in june 2005. people obsessing over the songs? sold out gigs full of stage diving nutcases. hardcore fans pressed up against venue windows, just hoping to catch a glimpse such checkpoints have all been ticked. the boys may share a love of the smiths, the clash and the jam, but in no way were the monkeys ready to simply regurgitate the well trodden brit rock path.