We’ve all heard that (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEVkt0fLWKA) wanky speech Alex Turner gave at the Brits earlier this year – the one that left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth regarding a band that strongly dictated my music taste in high school. So when I heard the AM’s were coming to town, I hesitated. Eight years ago I would have slapped myself in the face at the thought of not going but once a band hints at a touch of unwarranted arrogance, I’m out.
That’s why when I rocked up to the Entertainment Centre with a likeminded ex-wannabe groupie in tow; I tried to keep my expectations to a minimum. In all honestly, it lasted about 2 seconds as the Monkeys calmly (and very fucking coolly) swaggered from the darkness. What followed was a whirlwind of quite simply put, a good old-fashioned rock show.
No theatrics were needed as it appears front man Alex Turner has emerged from his formerly awkward shell and literally thrusted (more on that later) himself into the spotlight. His smoother-than-my-grandfathers-cognac drawl echoed around the arena with the opening lyrics of ‘Do I Wanna Know’ and instantly, I was back on the AM wagon. Who knows why I doubted them in the first place but it’s certainly no loss on their part as the 10,000 plus strong crowd recite every word. Surprisingly, a lot of which are under twenty and seem to have jumped on board for the bands second coming after the release of their fifth studio album AM.
As they effortlessly work their way through tracks from the new record, I am surprised at the little presence of pre Humbug tunes, but after such a suave and well received transformation its easy to see why the group would want to leave the old Monkeys behind. This transformation is no more apparent than in Turner, whose once moppy locks are now slicked into a stiff up do and awkward dance moves have advanced into Presley like thrusts that certainly got me and my gal pal hot and bothered.
Hits such as ‘Dancing Shoes’ and ‘Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High’ entice the audience to boogie but it’s only when the first chords of ‘I Bet You Look Good…’ start to sound that the last remaining seated fans jump to their feet, including an impressive head banging elderly lady who appears in the spotlight from across the room. The boys bring it down a notch (relatively) with Cornerstone, Knee Socks and No 1 Party Anthem, which instantly prompts everyone to cheesily raise their lighters (iPhones) and sway like they’re at a Coldplay concert.
They round off a satisfying set with a dose of much needed nostalgia in the form of ‘Fluorescent Adolescent’ and ‘505’ before returning for a well and truly prompted encore, including a very sultry ‘I Wanna Be Yours’ and finally ‘R U Mine?’ – which is cut short due to technical difficulties but not for long as Turner utters “we better do that again” before once again launching into the track and asking all of the entranced ladies (and gentleman) ‘Brisbane! I’m yours, but are you mine?
It was rocky for a while there, but after you got me all hot and bothered I think we shared something really special. So yes, yes I am yours Monkeys, always and 4eva.
Words: Leila Amirparviz
Set List
Do I Wanna Know
Snap Out of It
Arabella
Brianstorm
Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair
Dancing Shoes
Library Pictures
Crying Lightning
Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?
Fireside
I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
She’s Thunderstorms
No.1 Party Anthem
Cornerstone
Knee Socks
Fluorescent Adolescent
505
Encore
One for the Road
I Wanna Be Yours
R U Mine?
