Arctic Monkeys - As Cool As Ever In Fine Northern Return

If you had to book the perfect band to get your party started, then The Hives would be a good choice. The Swedish rockers ignited the crowd with an energetic and fast paced set as they opened up for Arctic Monkeys at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. If their mission was to warm up the enthusiastic audience, they more than succeeded.

Probably the last big British band to break through in a substantial way, Sheffield’s Arctic Monkeys have constantly evolved and changed throughout their career.

From the undisputed indie rock of their debut album to the almost lounge style music of their latest release, the band has kept everyone guessing which direction they would follow next.

Thankfully, their set at Old Trafford lent more towards their rockier moments as opposed to the laid-back grooves of late, which are more suited to a more intimate setting rather than sharing the songs with 50,000 rowdy fans on a sunny Friday evening when spirits were high.

As lead singer and songwriter Alex Turner offered a customary "Greetings, Manchester," the band launched into set opener Fluorescent Adolescent. The beer is thrown into the air in wild abandonment, the smoke flares burn like a beacon of hope, and the atmosphere is electric. The joy of witnessing the live return of Sheffield’s finest was complete.

Big Ideas, and There’d Better Be A Mirrorballl of the last album saw the band in a more reflective moment, which contrasted well with I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor. The track has become an indie anthem, and when a sold-out crowd chanted back the words loudly, it all felt like you were part of one big tribe.

As the band asked, R U Mine? which closed a successful northern homecoming,  the answer from all present tonight was a resounding yes.