ARCTIC MONKEYS @ BIRMINGHAM NIA 20/11/09

Winners of the Mercury Prize and several BRIT awards, the Arctic Monkeys have bitten back with the Humbug tour, showcasing tracks off the newest album, ‘Humbug’. Strolling on stage with longer hair than the last time they toured in the UK they began with a track off the new album ‘Dance Little Liar’. Introducing themselves Alex Turner greeted the crowd with ‘Hello Birmingham, you sexy bastards’. As everyone went crazy they unleashed a series of well known favourites (‘Brianstorm’, This House is a Circus’, ‘Still Take You Home’ and ‘I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor’) that were greatly received by now ecstatic ‘Monkeys fans.

‘Sketchead’ could be considered an odd choice for their setlist as its the b-side to the Arctic Monkeys most recent single ‘Cornerstone’. The track slightly resembles John Cooper-Clarke’s ‘evidently chickentown’, relating more so to social commentary than their more current music. While Alex Turner swaggered around the stage he ditched the guitar and just sang. It’s true to say that their success is being demonstrated in a variety of ways; Turner no longer playing all songs is one and the confetti ending. The final song, prior to the encore concluded with an explosion of paper confetti raining down onto the crowd. While this touch was adorable and added an edge to the generic ‘indie band’ style performance it didn’t seem very them considering the laddish reputation they had.
The encore was a real treat for fans as Alex Turner sang a verse from classic Arctic Monkeys track ‘Mardy Bum’ during ‘Florescent Adolescent’. ‘505’ ended the show in an explosive manner.

While this was an impressive show, maybe one of the best I’ve been to there seemed to be less chemistry between the band and Alex Turner seemed drunk. In terms of audience participation it wasn’t mind blowing, yet the Arctic Monkeys never fail to play a blinding show and give people exactly what they want. Even if they don’t say anything.

10/10