Arctic Monkeys @ MEN Arena, Manchester (2/11/2011)

Some of the finest bands in existance - past and present - have graced the Manchester Evening News Arena stage; but not all of them have quite had the effect in which the 4 lads from High Green provided.

Playing a near sell out arena tour across the UK, the 2nd stop of Arctic Monkeys' journey was Manchester; the home of music. With them, they brought the critically acclaimed delight of The Vaccines as support. And in my humblest of opinions, they absolutely killed it.

Spilling out the tunes from beginning to end, Justin Young of The Vaccines was faultless in vocals, showing no sign of the numerous throat infections which have haunted him and the band for some time. They were tight in rhythm and flawless in banter with the crowd. Providing the 15,000 strong masses with songs such as 'Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)', 'Post Break-Up Sex' and a personal favourite, 'Norgaard'; The Vaccines surpassed brilliance once more as a support act to the 'Monkeys, and it shan't be long until they are as widely credited as the headliners. Trust me. 7th sense about these things. (6th sense is I know when Everton are about to score. Not really important...)

Vaccines left the stage on a high, and half an hour later, it was time for one of Sheffields finest exports to make sweet, sweet music. The Arctic Monkeys stolled onto stage to the sound of 'You Sexy Thing' by Hot Chocolate, a song so well known, it makes The Ting Tings jealous (because they're tripe). Alex '1960's throwback' Turner and the rest of the boys looking slick and cool as always kicked off the 18 piece setlist with 'Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair' moving swiftly into 'Teddy Picker', from then on left everyone within the vicinity of the standing area in a sweaty trance. The once shy teen from the suburbs of Sheffield has matured to such a degree, he effortlessly pulls out the knee slide like nobodies business. 

Between blaring out the indie rock tracks of a musically-gifted generation, faint screams of 'I love you Alex' and 'if anyone sees a phone, its mine!' rang around (both me to be honest) as well as chants about Jamie Cook and encouragement for the agile beast spinning and throwing his sticks in the air.

Back to the norm, they carried on the mesmorising set with 'The View from the Afternoon', 'Do Me a Favour' and fans favourite 'When the Sun Goes Down'. 'Dance Little Liar' also featured, much to the surprise of many along with new B-side 'Evil Twin' which received rave reviews. 

Another brief moment of bantics with the crowd saw Turner pointing towards all sections of the crowd to determine who was the most vocal. They proceeded to the ever-growing sounds of the Madchester crowd. The night drew to a close but not before an encore, which included 'Suck it and See', 'Mardy Bum' and finally '505', which incidentally was fantastic to see performed with John Ashton on the keys.

The show finished, leaving many buzzing and an iPod and Blackberry lighter. WORTH IT.

Ben Marwood @ Bright House, Birmingham (8/10/2011)

This is my first ever post in this blog. Such a momentous, raucous occasion which I will do no justice to by speaking any more of it. Banter.

On the 8th of October; Ben Marwood, along with Oxygen Thief, Neil Morris and The Quiet Quiet Band, played the Bright House in England's second city. Having never been to Birmingham before, me and a friend jumped at the chance to go along to this free gig and have a night out around Birmingham in true student style... It didnt disappoint. Due to being held up in an incredibly competitive game of pool by a bloke who clearly had nothing better to do than challenge students, some 10 minutes away from the venue, we were late to see the beginning of the show.

We entered to the happily-ranting, brilliant sounds of Neil Morris, whom between songs, plugged the new folk label coming later this month (Front Room Records) which is sure to be the start of something amazing.  His heavy accent came through on his songs and his views on daily life provided the crowd with an insight into the daily life, and how to get by.

After this; Oxygen Thief stepped up to the mic, and got the somewhat, unusually small crowd revved up for the headline act. Playing a mix of purely instrumental tracks, strongly-worded numbers and a magic rendition of 'Gold' by Spandau Ballet, it was clear that everyone was on the same side, and there was no shit heckling going on. This was the first time i've ever seen him play despite being mentioned by Frank Turner many times... whose words I basically abide by. His set ran its course and it was then time for, arguably one of the nicest guys i've ever met in the industry to take control.

Ben looked completely at ease as he began his set. People immediately flocked the front to be part of the singalongs and raves about Avril Lavigne and being hungover on a train ("if the bastard's not delayed").  This ['Oh My Days'] incidentally was a personal highlight, along with the fantastically written and rhythmically pleasing 'I Will Breath You In', not to mention the beautifully ironic tune of 'Singalong'. It was clear that Ben Marwood has had a positive effect on people since supporting Frank Turner across the country (which is where I discovered him... at multiple shows). ANECDOTE TIME! FUN! When myself and a few friends travelled up from the Lake District to Stockton (still dont know where that is, but it was a grand place) to watch yet another Frank Turner gig; Ben and Franz Nicolay supported FT... and they were present in the lobby of the venue before Frank took to the stage. Both of these fine artists were stood behind a desk with each of their respective albums and other memorablia, my mate Kieran wanders up to buy Ben's album but couldnt get Ben's attention, so he asks Franz "can I buy Ben's album please". The look on his face wasnt representitive of the way he might/should have felt. Uncool Kieran, uncool. It was fine though, they were both awesome. Marwood closed the set with his take on the Postal Service's 'The District Sleeps Alone Tonight' and finished to a rapturous applause. Yet another brilliant performance.

All in all, I believe Ben to be one of music's best kept secrets. His professional approach to writing songs about drinking and love is inspired, to the extent that me and a few of my mates would travel hundreds of miles just to see him, regardless of if we have anywhere to stay for the night... which is a story for another blog.

http://www.myspace.com/neilmorrismusic
http://www.myspace.com/oxygenthief
http://www.benmarwood.com/