Making our way to the Singapore Indoor Stadium, where the Singapore leg of the Arctic Monkeys Asia Tour 2023 took place, it was clear that the audience was mainly drawn from Gen-Z viz. many teenagers and young adults. This was surprising to us, considering that the band itself is more than 20 years old now.
The Arctic Monkeys formed in 2002 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The band consists of Alex Turner on lead vocals and guitar, Jamie Cook on guitar, Nick O’Malley on bass, and Matt Helders on drums. The Arctic Monkeys gained popularity through their live performances and the internet, eventually becoming one of the most successful British bands of the 21st century.
Alright, formalities done, let’s talk about the gig! The packed out venue certainly reverberated with screams and hoots when the band appeared, as these Gen-Z fans were energised by music very influenced by old-school British pop. Any keen music observer would be able to discern the influences of The Kinks, David Bowie, Gang of Four, Blur in The Arctic Monkeys’ modus operandi.
Songs like “Four Out of Five” and “Body Paint” resonated with us for their obvious nods to Bowie. In interviews, Arctic Monkeys’ frontman Alex Turner has cited Bowie as one of his primary musical influences, and has expressed admiration for Bowie’s ability to constantly reinvent himself and push the boundaries of his genre. To be fair, the Arctic Monkeys’ sound is influenced by a range of genres, including indie rock, post-punk revival, and garage rock. Their early sound was characterized by fast-paced, guitar-driven songs like the punk anthem “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor”, but they have since expanded their sound to include more varied and experimental elements.
So what is the appeal of The Arctic Monkeys to Gen-Z, more commonly attracted to hip-hop and K-pop? While the band has a broad appeal, their music often speaks to themes and experiences that are relatable to younger audiences. Their lyrics often explore topics such as youth culture, social and political issues, and the highs and lows of growing up. As a result, many young people find their music to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and are drawn to their energetic live performances and unique sound.
Thanks to Lushington Entertainments for making this review possible.
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