Arctic Monkeys First Avenue review
Arctic Monkeys serenade Minneapolis on Valentine’s Day
There was plenty of love in the air by the time the Brit-rock band Arctic Monkeys took to First Avenue’s stage. The show sold out within minutes of going on sale last fall, leaving those lucky enough to have gotten tickets with an opportunity to see one of the hottest rock acts on the planet at one of the best rock clubs in America. And Arctic Monkeys did not disappoint. Not one bit.
Donning a tight-fitting black leather jacket, frontman Alex Turner stepped onto the stage with as much swagger as Mick Jagger, raising his hands to the screaming crowd for many moments before removing his jacket and strapping on his Fender Jaguar. Since I last saw the band in 2011 not only has Turner developed an intense swagger, but he also lost his shag in exchange for a pomaded pompadour that many young women in the crowd couldn’t stop commenting about. Touring with The Black Keys and hanging out with Josh Homme will do that to a guy I suppose.
The band opened the show with “Do I Wanna Know?” from AM, their fantastic 2013 release and most consistent effort yet. Like a majority of the night, the stage was dimly lit through a foggy cloud as Turner stepped to the mic, swaying his hips to the bass drum, setting an undertone for the evening that slowly intensified until the end. The bass in songs like “Arabella” rattled First Avenue’s bones, and those packed in on the floor had their arms up, fists pounding to the beat. While the more groove-driven tunes like the fantastic “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”, left the mostly twenty-something crowd dancing in place and singing along.
A big highlight that wasn’t from AM was “505” from the band’s 2007 sophomore album Favourite Worst Nightmare. This was the last song played before the encore, and it was incredible. The song built in dynamics until Turner finally unleashed a screaming verse in the middle that had everyone in the room yelling along with him. It packed a hard punch. As did “One For The Road”, another nice groove-driven tune that was the second song played in the encore. “One For The Road” also showcased the nice harmony additions by bassist Nick O’Malley and drummer Matt Helders that back many of the band’s tunes.
The night ended with “R U Mine?”, the first single from AM, and what could easily be considered emblematic of the entire theme of that album. This song was a great culmination of the rock-n-roll chemistry that was building all evening and it felt fantastic. Alex Turner, once again wearing his leather coat, stood one foot on a monitor serenading out the chorus before the song and the night ended with a bang.
It can be hard to remember that Arctic Monkeys have released five albums and they are still just in their twenties. Their live show is sexy and electric, and Minneapolis was blessed with this Valentine’s night performance. Whatever they do next, chances are we will not see them play First Avenue again. For that, I am very appreciative to have been at this very fine show. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go work on my pompadour.
Arctic Monkeys – First Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 02.14.14 Setlist
Do I Wanna Know?
Brianstorm
Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair
Snap Out of It
Crying Lightning
Old Yellow Bricks
Fireside
Knee Socks
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?
Arabella
Dancing Shoes
Pretty Visitors
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
Do Me a Favour
I Wanna Be Yours
Fluorescent Adolescent
505
Encore:
Cornerstone
One for the Road
R U Mine?
Listen to Arctic Monkeys live acoustic set they played at The Current studio before their First Avenue performance.
