Smashing Mag / Arctic Monkeys @ Shin Kiba Studio Coast (4th Apr. '06)

Arctic Monkeys @ Shin Kiba Studio Coast (4th Apr. '06)

Arctic Monkeys Blow Hot And Cold
If you're British, when the US say "Eminem" and we say "Robbie Williams", it is sometimes hard to escape the feeling that, every time they get an Elvis, we get a Cliff Richard. Who? Exactly. So the question bothering me tonight was, "have we finally got an Elvis?" Despite being drained of fun-genes by the experience of being herded like cattle to the slaughter into the arena (why?) and the purchase of a compulsory "drink ticket" (900 people, 4 barstaff, never gonna happen!), the uplifting sight of the (non-smoking! Yippee!) dancehall-style arena got the blood running. Paul Weller standing just behind me. They have famous fans! Excellent. Paul moves up to the stage-side balcony and gives a wave!

      Their much-circulated setlist starts with a lively and powerful version of "a view from the afternoon" as the boys kicked off in fine style. Three songs in and "I bet you look good on the dancefloor" has the crowd jumping and singing along. Some amusing banter between vocalist Alex Turner and the crowd in the eerily quiet gaps between songs provides some entertainment. A veritable "hecklers paradise" as Mr. Turner put it. Nearly shouted out something rude! I'm not funny either though.

      Then it's off with the guitar for Alex as they rip through "Perhaps vampires is a bit strong but" and with attitude in full flow it's a glance up to the balcony at Mr. Weller as he sings "Well I ain't got no dollar signs in my eyes" and "I don't want your advice or praise". Thanks for coming, Paul!

      Arctic Monkeys

They left their quiet song (Riot Van, a personal favorite) at home and I am beginning to wish they hadn't. Watching them is quite an exhausting experience, especially for an old man like yours truly.

The highlights of the evening, "Mardy Bum" (try explaining that to an American), "Put on your dancing shoes" (a song I never really liked on record), and "When the sun goes down", but some of the other songs such as "Still take you home" and "From Ritz to rubble" gave the impression of being produced first and learned later, and to be honest, they didn't quite pull them off as well as they sound on the record. I would have to agree with Morrisey that a couple more years in a ford transit probably wouldn't have gone a miss. This showed particularly towards the end, when the songs fizzled like a spent sparkler, when everyone was expecting a big bang. A bit of a rest before the summer may be in order.

Arctic Monkeys

So, were they an Elvis? Well, no. Not yet anyway. Just a young and very talented band starting to make their way in the world, having to have their "Hamburg" under the fierce and brutal scrutiny of a very new kind of media ultra-frenzy. Where will they be in three years? Only time will tell. But at least they're not a Cliff Richard.