While there are few better places in NYC to see a concert on a gorgeous summer day/night than Summerstage (a.k.a. Rumsey Playfield), a band also runs the risk of it’s intensity being diluted by the vastness of performing outdoors. Maybe it’s just me, but some artists (Buffett, Jack Johnson) should only play outside, while others, especially those that have roots in punk rock, should only play in places like cbgb’s (now tragically defunct). Obviously, the music of the 4 kids (though they didn’t look as young as voxtrot who opened for them…and not nearly as nerdy either) from Sheffield, England called the Artic Monkeys falls into the latter catogory. Fortunately however, the sheer force w/ which these brits bring the noise easily overcomes any intesity issues inherent in the vastness of the outdoors. From the very first chord, the sell out crowd was geared up and tuned in and stayed that way for the roughly 90min set. The Arctic Monkeys played w/ a force and energy that i haven’t seen since i last saw the White Stripes. Their albums are both very good, their live show is even better. If they are playing anywhere near where you live, pony up for a ticket and get invovled…it’s well worth the effort.

Written by Adam Bain