English rockers Arctic Monkeys made their grand return to Los Angeles with three sold-out nights at the Kia Forum in support of their seventh studio, The Car - which was released last October. Opening for the band on Sept. 29th was the up-and-coming Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C., who delivered a chaotically fun set.
Arctic Monkeys began the night with dark "Sculptures of Anthing Goes" the perfect introduction to the world of The Car. As the years have gone on, Arctic Monkeys have truly embraced their love for orchestral rock and jazz, focusing all their energy on their dynamic sound.
Frontman Alex Turner is a confident leader, guiding and guiding his bandmates like an orchestral conductor through the melodies of each track. He treated fans to his expansive vocal range from whispery to vibrant high tones. Turner also never stood still the entire night -- playing the guitar all night and dabbling at the piano during "505." He did it all.
The setlist was surprisingly expansive. Hearing their spin on new tracks like "Body Paint" and "There'd Better Be a Mirrorball" was a real treat. It's often difficult to seamlessly blend upbeat hits with their more mellow tracks, but Arctic Monkeys figured out the perfect formula - using dynamic guitar riffs and drum beats. The band are true musicians, highlighting the music and delivering great harmonies. The band's most popular album AM got the most attention for the night, as they played 5 tracks from the album including "Snap Out of It," "Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?, "Arabella" "Do I Wanna Know?" and finishing their set with "R U Mine?"
Setlist:
Sculptures of Anything Goes
Brianstorm
Snap Out of It
Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair
Teddy Picker
Crying Lightning
Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino
Why'd You Only Call Me When You're High?
Arabella
Perfect Sense
The View From the Afternoon
Knee Socks
Pretty Visitors
Fluorescent Adolescent
There'd Better Be a Mirrorball
505
Do I Wanna Know?
Body Paint
Encore:
Hello You
I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
R U Mine?