The revelation that Arctic Monkeys commanded sold-out consecutive nights at Minneapolis’s Armory, a venue boasting an 8400 capacity, initially stopped me in my tracks. Selling out one night is impressive, but two? This immediately piqued my interest. Considering my last deep dive into Arctic Monkeys’ music was years ago, my intrigue quickly morphed into excitement. What I experienced at this concert reminded me why certain bands transcend time and trends, becoming anthems for generations ready to Look Good On The Dance Floor.
The buzz was palpable even before entering the Armory. The concert’s half-hour delay was no surprise, given the epic lines snaking through downtown Minneapolis. Whispers in the crowd suggested the delay was directly linked to these massive queues, a plausible explanation given the sheer volume of people eager to get inside. While the wait allowed me to catch up on emails, my attention kept drifting to the constant stream of fans pouring into the hangar-like space, their energy infectious even before the music started.
Any initial annoyance at the delay vanished the moment Fontaines D.C. took the stage. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, this opening act was a delightful discovery. Frankly, I knew little about them beforehand, but from the moment vocalist Grian Chatten exploded onto the stage, I was hooked. His raw energy, reminiscent of hardcore punk despite their post-punk classification, was captivating. Pacing with a controlled fury, Chatten and Fontaines D.C. launched into a forty-minute set that felt criminally short.
Even without knowing their songs, Fontaines D.C.’s talent was undeniable. The sound was impeccably crisp, each instrument distinct yet powerful. Every band member’s movement seemed deliberate, designed to amplify the crowd’s excitement. And it worked. During their brief set, Fontaines D.C. generated headliner-level energy, setting the stage ablaze for the main act. Consider me officially late to the Fontaines D.C. party, but after Friday night, I’m diving headfirst into their discography.
Then came Arctic Monkeys. While I’m familiar with their hits – and readily admit to belting out “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor” with unrestrained enthusiasm whenever it plays – I hadn’t truly explored their extensive catalog. From the moment they began their set, I realized the enormity of my mistake.
Formed in 2002, Arctic Monkeys carved out a signature sound instantly recognizable as their own. Their 2006 album, ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,’ catapulted them into the spotlight, featuring the iconic anthem, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor.” While their discography is rich beyond this single hit, I confess I never fully immersed myself in their musical world – a significant oversight I was about to rectify.
Before delving into their performance, the audience itself deserves a mention. Expecting an older crowd, given their early 2000s origins and vintage-tinged sound, I was surprised to see a sea of young faces. And these young fans were fully invested, matching the band’s energy beat for beat. During the opening song, my gaze was often drawn more to the crowd than the stage. The collective energy, the synchronized jumping, the arms raised in unison – it was captivating. This wasn’t just passive listening; it was an active, shared experience, a collective movement driven by the music.
Like Fontaines D.C., Arctic Monkeys delivered a flawless sonic experience. Alex Turner’s vocals were spot-on, each note and lyric crystal clear, creating a live sound so polished it could rival a studio recording – were it not for the roaring crowd adding to the electric atmosphere. Turner, while vocally perfect, injected a layer of theatricality into his performance, a dramatic flair absent from studio recordings.
While the entire band shone, each member given moments to showcase their talent, Turner’s stage presence was magnetic. He commanded the audience with an almost singular force, at times making it easy to forget there were other musicians on stage. Seamlessly transitioning from rocker swagger to timeless crooner charm, his energy, much like his voice, was utterly captivating.
Expanding on that “timeless crooner” aspect, Arctic Monkeys’ sound is undeniably classic. A vintage, retro vibe permeates their music, lending it an enduring quality. This translated powerfully to their live performance, deepening my newfound appreciation beyond simply listening to their albums. The stage setup, while clearly high-production, initially felt understated. A backdrop with a central screen displaying band members and an impressive disco ball were the main visual elements. Yet, there were no distracting theatrics – no smoke and mirrors, just raw performance. This old-school approach, reminiscent of seeing The Killers, was refreshing and impactful.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or vaguely familiar with Arctic Monkeys, seeing them live is essential. Their performance is infused with heart and soul, their sound meticulously polished, guaranteeing a concert experience that exceeds expectations. You’ll leave feeling not just entertained, but invigorated, perhaps even inspired to perfect your own moves for the next dance floor opportunity.
Line Up:
Venue: Armory
Smell-O-Meter: Nothing Notable
Average Age of the Crowd: 27
Crowd Surfers- None spotted
Stage Divers- 0
Mosh-ability- 4 out of 10
Amount of Beer Spilled On Me While Walking Around- $0
Broken Bones- None Noticed
Spotted Flying Through The Air- Nothing
Fights- None Witnessed
Pukers- 1
Passed Out Kids- 0
Idiots Taken Out By Security – 0
How Irritated I Was With The Audience – 0 out of 10
How Many Times I’ve Seen These Bands Before:
Fontaines D.C. – 0
Arctic Monkeys – 0
Celebrity Sightings – None
Overall Score – 8.7 out of 10
Show on Deck — Dead Times / Troller / The Body
NO SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION ON THIS POST. PLEASE SUPPORT THE VICTIMS OF THE NUDIELAND TRAGEDY HERE!
