Arctic Monkeys :: Wessex Scene Online

Arctic Monkeys

14th November 2005
DanJo Thompson

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May 07 - Gigs: Arctic Monkeys at Southampton Guildhall
May 06 - Arctic Monkeys live at the BIC
Nov 05 - Smerin's Anti Social Club Live!!!
Nov 05 - Athlete Live at Portsmouth Guildhall
Dec 05 - Zebrahead live at the Wedgewood Rooms

"Watch out for the Arctic Monkeys – next big thing – mark my words" Thus, via text message in July, was I warned of the arrival of everyone’s new favourite band. Little did I think that just over two months later I would be one of a few hundred excited fans at the Pyramids Centre in Portsmouth, all eagerly -waiting appearance on stage of that same widely-prophesied band.

The supporting act, who appeared to wish to remain nameless, did an exceptional job of whetting the ravenous crowd’s appetite. When the Arctic Monkeys finally took to the stage the crowd just erupted. Never mind that they are yet to release an album, or even anything beyond a limited release single (1,000 copies), this band of Sheffield lads had not even played a note, yet and the atmosphere was electric. As soon as lead singer Alex Turner hit the first note of what would be a frenetic and fast-paced hour, packed with crowd-pleasing numbers from first to last, everyone in the room shared for a while the excitement that only genuine talent can generate.

During such favourites as ‘Fake Tales of San Francisco’ and ‘From the Ritz to the Rubble’ the crowd accompanied Turner in every last word of his crisp, witty lyrics – a poetic fusion of social commentary and satirical humour. Occasionally, in need of a breather, Turner applies his wry wit to the crowd with phrases like "Be nice to each other", but in general the Arctic Monkeys are refreshingly happy to let their music do the talking. And rightly so – the irresistibly sharp guitar riffs and invigorating drum line speak more loudly about what makes this band special than any words could possibly hope to.

Launching straight from one song into the next, the band play what is easily an album’s worth of quality material, including the exquisite ‘Scummy Man’ and the hugely anticipated first single ‘(I bet you look) Good on the Dancefloor’. When they eventually completed their repertoire and wished their fans goodnight, the crowd of lucky punters dispersed into the darkness, praying that the banging in their ears will remain until the album is released next month. Although the usual radio sycophants have been quick to jump aboard this band’s fast-moving wagon, the imminent success of the Arctic Monkeys would be more accurately measured by a survey of illegal downloads, or by the presence of merchandise touts at every jam-packed venue, or by the fact that everyone knows all the lyrics to every song. The power of the Arctic Monkeys lies in their closeness to the people, and every aspect of this electric performance indicated that they intend to stay just there.