Photo: Ray Hill
Arctic Monkeys played a triumphant headline set, bringing day two of Reading Festival to a close. Headlining nine years after their first appearance at the festival, they ended a day that was also topped off by the likes of Jake Bugg, Chvrches, Bombay Bicycle Club and more last night (Saturday 23 August, 2014).
In 2005, the Sheffield four-piece played a much-hyped set at an over-capacity Carling tent after a series of demoes saw them hailed as the next big thing.
Remarkably, the band have gone from strength-to-strength and surpassed expectations at every turn, making an exponential statement of intent to be remembered as one of the best British rock bands of a generation with their album latest AM, which they drew largely from last night. The new material showed a sonic maturity and is most certainly they're most accomplished record's to date.
Furthermore, the AM sound is the perfect soundtrack to a late night set. Josh Homme - who has had an influence on Turner's added swagger and bold new image epitomised by a pompadour and leather jacket - coined it a 'sexy after midnight record'. Earlier material remained just as loved: ' I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor', 'Crying Lightning', and 'Dancing Shoes' were among highlights of a storming set that proved they can do no wrong.
Despite sound problems that left the vast majority of the audience underwhelmed by the volume (it was a bit like a fart in a bath), Alex Turner and co tore through a hit-packed and career-spanning set that fully justified why they're one of the most in-demand bands on the planet.
Before Arctic Monkeys took their throne as kings of british indie, Jake Bugg played a sunset slot that indicated not all classic songwriters are nine feet under. His songs possessed a sonic maturity beyond his years. He was largely composed throughout, stood still letting the music provide the dynamics, however he broke his stern, troubled appearance during 'Broken' where he appeared genuinely moved by the appreciation from the main stage audience and appeared to have a lump in his throat, yet held back the tears. Set closer 'Lightning Bolt' saw him crack a second smile to a rapturous applause.
Meanwhile over on the NME/Radio One stage, Bombay Bicycle Club showcased their experience of becoming the ultimate festival band - sending the whole tent into a constant bounce with the perfect crowd pleasing set. It was a pretty flawless affair that saw Rae Morris, Lucy Rose and more join them on stage, and a clear sign that headline slots await them.
- Watch our interview with Bombay Bicycle Club discussing headlining festivals here
Just before, Chvrches were on - and were absolutely perfect. Humbled by the huge mass of "actual humans" that had gathered, the Scottish electro-pop trio delved into a set of perfect synth gems from their awesome debut, The Bones Of What You Believe. Every track sounded like a single, and every moment felt essential. Album No.2 can't come soon enough.
- Watch our interview with Chvrches discussing their next album here
Providing the biggest party atmosphere of the weekend was Die Antwoord. The South African rap-rave group from Cape Town combine shocking, erotic imagery, and high energy dance moves that the audience were intent on imitating with full commitment.
Reading festival concludes today with performances from Blink 182, Disclosure, The 1975, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and many more, while Arctic Monkeys, Jake Bugg and co head to Leeds.
Check back at Gigwise for the latest news, reviews, interviews, photos and more from Reading and Leeds Festival 2014.
Below: 16 exclusive photos of Arctic Monkeys at Reading Festival
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