Grant Ayers
The indie-rock band shows no signs of slowing down
Right in the heart of the Fargo-Moorhead area, there’s no shortage of local fun and cultural happenings. But guess what? There’s a whole world of excitement waiting just a short trip away. Yep, we’re talking about the Twin Cities—the place where art and entertainment come alive in a big way. Don’t get us wrong, we love our Fargo-Moorhead scene, but sometimes you’ve got to hit the road for something extra special. Think live concerts and events that might not swing by our neck of the woods. So, let’s dive into why those mini-vacays are totally worth it, like a recent trip to check out the mainstay indie rock band, Arctic Monkeys.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd’s anticipation grew, the stage at The Armory came alive on Saturday, August 26, with an electrifying energy that set the tone for an unforgettable night of music. Fontaines D.C., known for their Irish post-punk sound and engaging hits, took the stage, and the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Although the crowd was largely comprised of Arctic Monkeys fans, nearly everyone danced to Fontaines D.C.’s unique sound.
The band warmed up the crowd by offering a mix of sounds, ranging from indie pop to more intense ballads. They may not have gotten fans to scream every lyric, but they did exactly what an opening act should do: they got the crowd hyped. Their eight-song setlist featured rising hits like “Jackie Down The Line” and “I Love You,” and it was clear that this act from “across the pond” set the perfect mood for the night ahead.
After a brief intermission buzzing with excitement and anticipation, the moment everyone had awaited arrived. The lights dimmed once more, and the stage transformed into a mesmerizing display, with a colossal vinyl-record-shaped screen taking center stage for the main act’s visuals. The air was thick with anticipation as Alex Turner and the rest of the Arctic Monkeys burst onto the stage, opening with “Sculptures of Anything Goes,” a hit from their 2020 LP, The Car. The cheers were deafening—a testament to the long-held affection for these UK indie rock icons.
Throughout the night, Arctic Monkeys delivered a setlist that showcased their career’s longevity and charming stage presence, almost as if they were having too good of a time to think about the show. It was clear that this was far from their first rodeo. From the addictive rhythms of “Knee Socks” to the exhilarating vibes of their smash hit “Do I Wanna Know,” each song was met with a sea of waving hands and enthusiastic voices singing in unison. The connection between the band and their fans was strong, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared love for the music. Plus, who wouldn’t appreciate a pleasantly surprising change to their hit song “Arabella” to incorporate Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” into the track’s outro?
Turner’s vocals were on point, effortlessly hitting every high note and infusing each lyric with raw emotion, showcasing how similar his live voice is to the recorded tracks we’ve come to know. The band members, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley, and Matt Helders, exhibited veteran musicianship as they navigated complex instrumental solos while seamlessly interacting with one another on stage, none of them soaking up too much of the spotlight. It was clear that their years of performance experience had refined them into a musical powerhouse.
One of the highlights of the night was when the ball dropped—a disco ball—for the aptly titled “There’d Better Be a Mirrorball.” The crowd was mesmerized as it illuminated the venue for one single song, turning the song’s performance into a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one in the crowd would ever forget.
The production quality of the concert was equally captivating. The stage design, lighting effects, and visual projections enhanced the overall experience, creating an immersive environment that perfectly complemented the music. The synergy between the audio and visual elements added another layer of depth to each song, amplifying the emotional impact. While the simplistic, yet enticing production enhanced the performance, it didn’t go as far as to detract from the reason concertgoers lined up blocks down the street for hours before the show: the music.
The chemistry among the band members was undeniable as they seamlessly transitioned from one song to the next. Audience members were captivated by the electric interplay between Jamie Cook’s guitar solos and Matt Helders’ powerful drumming.
As the concert entered its final stretch, Turner took a moment to express the band’s gratitude to the audience for being a part of their final night of music (for now) in the Twin Cities. The band then launched into the fan-favorite “505.”
The climactic moment of the concert arrived during the encore, as Arctic Monkeys returned to the stage for a three-song finale. The crowd erupted in cheers as they launched into the dialed-back sleep hit “Star Treatment,” then went straight into 2006s up-tempo “I Bet You Looked Good on the Dancefloor,” just before capping the night off with one of their most adored ballads, “R U Mine?” The three-song run encapsulated the evening’s performance showcasing both old and new, and toned-down and in-your-face tracks from the act.
As the final notes echoed through the venue, Turner took a moment to thank both new and long-standing fans for their support. From the opening act to the tear-jerking encore for many, the night was a celebration of Arctic Monkeys’ 17-year evolution. They proved once again why they are at the pinnacle of their niche genre, leaving fans eagerly awaiting their next Midwest tour stop, whenever that may be.
