By Dylan Fair
Theme Editor
Very few bands achieve the sort of critical acclaim and worldwide success that the Arctic Monkeys have. On June 3, The Arctic Monkeys played material from new album “Suck It and See” at the Hollywood Palladium and lives up to the massive hype placed upon them for every new tour and album.
Since its purchase by promoter Goldenvoice, the Hollywood Palladium has been booking exceedingly great live acts, from classics to popular newcomers. During their set, the Arctic Monkeys demonstrated that they have the potential to become one of the classic acts of rock music.
The Arctic Monkeys walked on stage to an immediate explosion of cheer. The band began its show with a bang with tracks such as “This House is a Circus,” “Brainstorm” and “Teddy Picker.” Frontman Alex Turner also cracked the occasional hilarious one-liner between songs.
The Arctic Monkeys left no one unsatisfied with its performance. Diehard fans were ecstatic about the lengthy set that lasted more than two hours and encompassed almost every major song, old and new.
As the show progressed, the band played fan-favorites such as “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor,” while the audience crowd surfed and slam-danced. The song “When the Sun Goes Down” was performed to perfection, with close to a minute gap between the spoken word intro and the opening guitar riff, which brought the crowd to life.
In a phenomenal encore performance, the band ended the night with one of its most popular songs, “Fluorescent Adolescent,” a track from the 2007 album “Favourite Worst Nightmare.”
The Palladium show was the last stop on the band’s American tour, which showcased its album, “Suck It and See” (released June 7). The album consists of classic rock-inspired songs that return to their more fun-loving pop-punk roots.
Although the songs on “Suck It and See” are more upbeat, Turner has written slower, more deliberate songs that deal with mature subject matter like adult relationships. Still, many of the songs transition well into a live setting.
As for musical direction, the Monkeys have moved toward blusier elements. The group chemistry especially, between Turner and lead guitarist Jamie Cook, has steadily improved and is superb on “Suck it and See.” The group’s riffs and song structures have improved significantly and possess classic rock song structures similar to the Rolling Stones or the White Stripes.
Turner’s lyrics continue to improve as well. After progressing from vibrant night scenes to dark voyages through the psyche in the group’s first three albums, Turner finds a comfortable middle ground.
The occurrence of wit and humor in the music of the Arctic Monkeys has increased, as well. For example, Turner sings “If you’re going to try to walk on water make sure you wear comfortable shoes.”
Songs such as “Brick By Brick” and “The Hellcat Spangled Shalala” demonstrate the synthesis of happy-go-lucky dance tracks and dark, brooding tracks that demonstrate the Arctic Monkeys’ creative versatility.
“Suck it and See” also features by the Arctic Monkeys most mediocre songs to date. “All My Own Stunts” is a failed ballad that comes across as cheesy and boring. “Library Pictures” attempts to supply the album with an older, more fun feel. However, its unoriginality in both lyrics and musicality make it instantly forgettable.
The Arctic Monkeys are a band that continue to surpass impossible expectations. They are a band that is aging well, even as they diversify and experiment with different musical styles on new releases. “Suck it and See” proves to be an album that shows the Arctic Monkeys can stay on top of the music industry.
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