Arctic Monkeys, London Wembley Arena
Alex Turner and band on unshowy but incendiary form on their second night at Wembley.
If support act Eagles of Death Metal had taken even a cursory glance at the headliners' Wikipedia entry, then the chances are they would have accepted their opening billing at this gig with hesitancy after learning of the reception meted out to The Horrors when playing underneath Arctic Monkeys - they had cutlery and beer bottles thrown at them by disgruntled fans. The Eagles' fortunately brief set was more like Tuesday afternoon tea at your grandparents by comparison, musically competent but even a yoga session would pose a greater risk to increasing your pulse rate. The only respite to their turgid rock by numbers was an unintentionally karaoke like cover of 'Stuck In The Middle With You' which served only to raise the merest of smiles.
Monkeys frontman Alex Turner may have sold millions of records but he cuts a shy, unassuming figure between songs, preferring to let the music do the talking and only pausing occasionally to thank the crowd like the well-mannered gentleman that he is. The rest of the band seemed content to take a back seat, bolstered by the presence of touring keyboard player/guitarist John Ashton, who helps to flesh out the sound with considerable efficiency.
Opening with 'Dance Little Liar', the band went on to perform a further seven tracks from their most recent album Humbug, including 'Pretty Visitors' which was received with open arms by those brave enough to throw themselves into the beer drenched front rows. Of the new material it was only a clumsy piano driven 'The Jeweller’s Hands' which backfired, due to some over enthusiastic feedback, but they quickly redeemed themselves with the tried and tested quick-fire pairing of 'Do Me A Favour' and 'When The Sun Goes Down'.
It says something about the catalogue of songs the band have that they can turn out their biggest hit - 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor' - within the first 20 minutes of their set, predictably sung with word for word gusto by the flannel shirted masses. When they slow down the tempo on the likes of 'If You Were There' and the exquisite 'Cornerstone' it shows them capable of a real depth whilst proving that the naked voice of Turner can more than hold it’s own when stripped of sheer noise or embellishment.
With the exception of erupting ticker tape cannons during set closer 'Secret Door' and a smattering of coloured lights, there was little by way of visual spectacle but this mattered not, as even those not fortunate enough to have standing tickets were dancing in the aisles with smiles on their faces.
Having walked off the stage without saying goodbye, there was little doubt as to whether there would be an encore, though when they appeared minutes later it still resulted in a shower of cheers. They wasted no time, the band tearing into a searing 'Fluorescent Adolescent' which they slowed right down before segueing into 'Mardy Bum', a track which Turner had previously said they’d never play live ever again. It was a moment to savour for the diehard fans who welcomed its return like the prodigal son of biblical times, whilst '505', the greatest should have been James Bond theme, was the perfect end to an evening of dancing, singing and every possible conceivable form of merriment.
From the rubble to the Ritz and back again it seems to matter little where the Arctic Monkeys perform as they deliver yet again a rewarding show with the confident assurance of a band who are at the top of their game.
Subscribe to the Clickmusic News Feed
