The "Mount Everest" of Speed
Brianstorm is a relentless test of stamina. As the opening track of Arctic Monkeys' Favourite Worst Nightmare, it hits the listener with thunderous drums and aggressive guitar riffs. Alex Turner's vocal delivery matches this intensity with rapid-fire lyrics and distinct Sheffield phrasing.
To sing this well, you don't need a massive octave range. You need rhythmic precision. The vocals operate almost like percussion—hitting the beat exactly on time with sharp consonants and attitude. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Diction
Because the song moves so fast, it is easy to slur words. Our analysis shows that users who over-enunciate consonants (T's, K's, and P's) score 15% higher on rhythm accuracy. Keep your lips active.
Phase 1: The Verses (0:20 - 1:12)
The song kicks in with "Brian, top marks for not trying." This section sits comfortably in the chest voice for Baritones. The challenge here is the staccato delivery. You cannot drag the notes.
The Trap: Running out of air. Lines like "Calm, collected and commanding / (top marks for not trying)" leave very little room to breathe. Use "sip breathing"—taking tiny, quick inhales through the mouth at punctuation marks—rather than big lung-filling breaths.
Phase 2: The "Thunder" Chorus
When the chaos ensues, the vocals become more aggressive. Turner adds grit to his voice here. You want to maintain a forward placement (feeling the vibration in the front of your face/mask) to project over the loud instrumentation without straining your vocal cords.
- See you later, innovator: This line requires a cynical, almost spoken-word tone.
- Rhythm Lock: The vocals must lock in perfectly with Matt Helders' drumming. If you drag, the energy of the song collapses.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Endurance (1:50 - End)
The middle section strips back slightly before the final assault. Use this moment to reset your breath support. As the song races to the finish, your diaphragm needs to be engaged to support the short, sharp shouts.
Avoid shouting from the throat. Instead, use "twang" (narrowing the vocal tract) to create that piercing, aggressive indie-rock sound while keeping the volume manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions
The song generally peaks around G4 in chest voice during the louder exclamations. It is not a high song, but it is an intense one.
Yes, it is excellent for Baritones. Alex Turner has a baritone range, and the song sits mostly in the speaking range (F3-F4), focusing on tone and rhythm rather than high notes.
Practice the song at 75% speed using the Singing Coach AI app. Mark exactly where you will take a breath on the lyric sheet, and do not deviate from that plan.
