2. Their Live Prowess
Arctic Monkeys were always a bit camera-shy. Reluctant-looking to be on stage, and mumbling once there, there was something that resonated in the music with their stage presence: outsiders looking in, not particularly impressed with what they see. Compare that to this year's Glastonbury set or last year's Coachella offering, and you'd hardly believe it was the same band. Alex has a cocky swagger these days, and both Nick and Matt are chipping in with vocals a lot more to help him out. The stage banter doesn't feel quite so forced, and when they delve into a hit, the boys change pace as one (see 'Brianstorm' and 'When the Sun Goes Down') to milk the audience. This is a band that have learnt how to work a crowd; nothing came naturally, and it's a pleasure to see to them enjoying their music live.