Live: Arctic Monkeys

Brixton Academy, London

THIS is the hottest ticket of the whole year . . .

Not only is it a chance to see the Arctics in a relatively intimate theatre, but new supergroup Them Crooked Vultures play their first British gig as support.

With Foo Fighters star Dave Grohl on drums, Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones on bass and vocals by Queens Of The Stone Age's Josh Homme, it's no surprise that they offer brutal rock riffs.

Crucially, unlike many supergroups, they live up to their promise.

Alex Turner had joked the Vultures should have headlined the gig. But the Monkeys are in majestic mood, despite a slow start including a baffling cover of Nick Cave's Red Right Hand.

Produced by Homme, new album Humbug is the Arctics' heaviest. It makes for a take-no- prisoners approach, with Pretty Visitors roaring its way into the crowd, looking for a fight.

Turner's face often becomes invisible as he flails his new long hair around, but you can tell he's having the time of his life.

As exciting and hard as they play, their choice of songs is slightly off. Old favourites like Mardy Bum and When The Sun Goes Down are missing.

Tweak the setlist, and their next tour will be a riot. The Monkeys' evolution is exciting, and the biggest new band of the decade are still one of the best.

• Arctic Monkeys - Humbug

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