10 Greatest Live Rock Albums Since 2010
2. Arctic Monkeys - Live At The Royal Albert Hall
This isn’t just a gig (and a fundraiser for the uber-worthy War Child charity) - this is a victory lap. Over a decade into their career, the Sheffield four-piece had finally broken America with their retro-scuzz fifth record AM, and were back in the UK to celebrate among their adoring public.
A restlessly inventive act, the Monkeys aren’t resting on their laurels here. The 2018 set prioritises material from the last two albums, AM and the divisive Tranquillity Base Hotel & Casino. The band is set up to play the keys-heavy lounge rock of the latter; "One Point Perspective" in particular pops live, Alex Turner relishing the chance to inhibit his crooning stage persona.
It’s the older stuff that the crowd really goes for, unsurprisingly. From “R U Mine” to “Brianstorm”, the audience sings along to the riffs, let alone the words. "From the Ritz to the Rubble" still sounds better than almost anything from that mid-2000s indie boom.
The hallowed Albert Hall is a fair stretch from the tiny clubs in which Arctic Monkeys made their bones, and it’s impressive how they raise and change their game to suit the surroundings. It’s slick and dirty at the same time - a proper show.