Arctic Monkeys Showcase New Songs, Vibe at APW

Posted on Aug 2nd 2009 5:35PM by Kim Davis
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When Arctic Monkeys took the stage at New Jersey's second annual All Points West festival Saturday afternoon, it was clear something had changed. Those who caught last Thursday's Web Transmission, in which the Mercury prize-winning quartet debuted new tracks off their forthcoming third LP 'Humbug,' might agree: Arctic Monkeys have stepped deeper into the dark side.

While most seemed to delight in day two's copious amounts of sunshine (Kool Keith's glittery scarf, like his goose bump-inducing performance, was shining bright), the Arctics' set seemed more suited for the previous day's stormy conditions. From the minimal stage set and aggressive smoke machine to frontman Alex Turner's banter, which included a somber "I hope everyone's having a lovely time," it was, at times, a gloomy affair. Gorgeous, but gloomy.

Between a few colorfully lit performances of crowd pleasers like 'Brianstorm' and 'I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,' they dove into tracks off 'Humbug' live for the first time, including the spooky first single 'Crying Lightning.' With its lurking bassline and dark lyrics, the song is indicative of the sort of growing up the Sheffield quartet have been doing since 2006's ode to restless youth, 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not' and the following year's angsty 'Favourite Worst Nightmare.' And, like proud parents, we approve. We even dig the long hair.