Arctic Monkeys at St James, Auckland

Arctic Monkeys

Oh, how the hair of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner has blossomed.

The 20-year-old looks like a real rock star with his bouffant hairstyle. And he and his three other band mates certainly play like seasoned rock'n' roll stars - even if new bass player Nick O'Malley looks a little scared.

There are still signs of the young Sheffield band's adolescent acne, but going by how tight, slick and soulful they are, they've grown up musically since hitting the big time a year ago.

You'd expect these hot young things to start the gig with a hiss and a roar, but their first song is a seductive wee number. It's a great move and gives tracks like Dancing Shoes (something we've all got on tonight) and The View from the Afternoon, from the band's debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not, even more clout.

But it's Still Take You Home, with its bratty chorus of You don't know nothing, that really gets this show rocking.

The concert sold out in a couple of weeks and it's a sight to see three heaving levels of excited punters at the St James baying at the Monkeys. There aren't many left sitting during the gig.

Not far into the set, Turner says, rather bemused: "You seem to know us better than I thought you were going to."

It was only three years ago that the Monkeys started handing out free CDs of their music to fans at gigs in their home town. These fans spread the word via the internet and now they're one of the most popular bands around.

It's easy to see why, because they kick arse and slam you with their songs rather than just playing them to you.

A track like Fake Tales of San Francisco has it all: Turner's lyrics are clever (all the weekend rock stars in the toilet, practising their lines), there are delicious subtleties, and the jaunty bits make the dynamics intense. And yes, their big hit, I Bet that You Look Good on the Dance Floor, makes everyone look stunning.