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Gig Review

Arctic Monkeys
Live at The Apollo DVD Domino Records

Article written by Elisabetta P - Jan 7, 2009

What would Moss think of having to leave the basement to document two hours of intense life on a stage at the Manchester Apollo? If the deal is to swap computers for two hours of directing an Arctic Monkeys’ live concert, it surely is a good bargain.

‘Arctic Monkeys at The Apollo’ is directed by the IT Crowd’s Richard Ayoade - shot and edited from a movie rather than a documentary perspective, with creative and engaging takes that add an element of sophistication to the filming of a live concert.

The members of the band are the sole protagonists, introduced in the titles of the live DVD in the same font characters used for 1970s cop television series.

Keeping the same 1970s theme with a light, pleasant soundtrack music to introduce the band on stage, the comfortable sound is suddenly broken by the opening guitar roars of ‘Brianstorm’. The lights are often foggy and focused on the band, leaving the audience in the dark as an unseen entity most of the time, brought into the spotlight only by occasional references by the band. This smoky soft atmosphere mellows the louder and catchier refrains of ‘I bet you look good on the dancefloor’ and ‘When the sun goes down’ yet retaining the power and the energy coming from the songs.

From ‘Fake Tales of San Francisco’ the live direction takes an interesting twist, challenging the viewer artistically and visually, splitting the screen into parts showing simultaneously the band members from opposite perspectives of the stage, offering the same editing treatment of films like ‘The Thomas Crown Affair and allowing the viewer to feel more involved with the actions on stage - a take that culminates in four simultaneous shots of drummer Matt Helders at work in ‘Leave before the light come on’.

The Arctic Monkeys are not famous for their interaction with the audience on stage, letting the visual effects take the reins of the DVD, and enhance the experience from living room to concert hall with an art house feel.

Links:
http://www.arcticmonkeysattheapollo.com/
http://www.myspace.com/arcticmonkeys