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Review Sat Aug 08 2009
Review: Arctic Monkeys @ Metro
Lollapalooza weekend in Chicago isn't just about sweating with the masses in Grant Park. Since the festival retired the touring shtick and rooted down in Chicago, after parties, pre-parties, and general music festivities have been popping up during Lolla weekend. This year the number of events have been staggering and overwhelming, but if you're looking for a guaranteed good time, put your faith in the hands of one of the most respectable venues in Chicago. The Metro is playing host to a sold out weekend of shows, giving audiences the lucky chance to see acts that usually are reserved for a the confines of a larger venue. Last night the Arctic Monkeys stirred up a packed crowd into a rabid frenzy with their brand of infectious post-punk infused rock 'n' roll.
The band stalked out on stage to the swell of an organ, as they wasted no time launching into the eerie "Pretty Visitors," one of the numerous tracks they'd play off their forthcoming album Humbug. They catapulted the energy level and surged into "This House is a Circus" and "Brianstorm" off their sophomore disc Favourite Worst Nightmare. The Arctic Monkeys are incredibly tight live, a frenzied sound that teeters on the brink of forced or rushed, yet pulls back just in time to create a perfect blend of chaotic noise.
As singer Alex Turner declared at 1:30am, "We could go all night here Chicago," the crowd roared back with approval. The well over an hour set showcased fan favorites as well as new heady and dark material. The atmosphere fluctuated between swooning to swirling organ and bass heavy tracks, before immediately switching gears to mosh with fists in the air as the band cranked out signature bratty tracks "Still Take You Home " and "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor." The show ended with the slow burning sounds of "505," as the crowd dispersed into the early morning of Wrigleyville, a playground of closing bars and stumbling drunks staggering home. It was a fitting world to re-enter, the rowdy and bombastic set from the Arctic Monkeys providing a perfect soundtrack to close out the first night (or rather early morning) of Lollapalooza weekend.
Check out more photos from Andy in the Gapers Block Flickr pool.
