Arctic Monkeys @ Kool Haus on May 21st

Arctic Monkeys - touring their upcoming album "Suck it and See" - delivered a thunderous performance on May 21st, 2011 at Toronto's Kool Haus. "Suck it and See" is set for release this coming June 2nd.


The opening act, the Vaccines, brought low-key folk rock tunes with them from their highly buzzed debut album, " What did you expect from the Vaccines?" ( Released on March 14th.) I had previously read an article on from Spin Magazine, and I was excited to see them live. The UK outlet performed alluring tunes, which impressed the audience with their songwriting skills - but my hopes and expectations were shattered that night. I sensed fatigue from the band. Maybe it was because of their seemingly everlasting tour. Despite their charming pop songs; the performance was somewhat dragging. I just felt like they are just another wannabe Strokes type band. The lead singer/guitarist, Justin Young,  reminded me of James Murphy so much in the way he sang; but his presence on stage was missing Murphy's charisma. That's not to say that I would want him to emulate Murphy exactly - but I just felt that he had no real charm. 

After the Vaccines rushed off the stage to get some rest, there was a 45 minute wait for Arctic Monkeys. "Arctic Monkeys! Arctic Monkeys"- the voices of anxious fans echoed throughout the venue. At last, the band showed up on the stage, and the venue erupted! 

The performance by the Brit quintet was quite surreal. There was a great mix of their previous masterpieces,; it seemed like they played almost everything I know. In addition, they didn't forget to showcase some of their new songs from the new album, "Don't sit down cause I've moved your chair", "Brick by Brick", and " She's Thunderstorms". The band was so tight - no matter how fast their thundering guitar riffs were everything came together seamlessly with the lead singer Alex Turner's compelling voice. I felt as if they were stinging my heart. It wasn't just up-tempo songs that kept the audience wanting more. "I hope you don't mind if we take it down a little for this next song"; exclaimed Turner, as they started into their most romantic tune, "Cornerstones". Every which way I looked, couples were slow dancing together.


The band left the stage briefly and returned for their encore. They brought out the big guns- fan favorites including "The View from the afternoon" ( Amazing guitar riff!!!), " When the Sun goes down", and " Fluorescent Adolescent". This was a very first show that I was blown away from the very first verse till the end. 

Set list: Toronto on May 21st, 2011

1. Library Pictures

2. Brianstorm

3.The House is a Circus

4. Still Take you Home

5. Don't sit down cause I've moved your chair

6. Pretty Visitors

7. Teddy Pickers

8.Crying Lightening

9. She's Thunderstorms

10. I Bet you look good on the dance floor

11. Potion Approaching

12. Brick by Brick

13. If you were there, be aware

14. Do me a Favour

15. Cornerstone

16. The Hellcat spangled Shalalala

The encore

17. The view from the afternoon

18. When the sun goes down

19. Fluorescent Adolescent