An Arctic Storm, or The Cosmic Rider

Tonight's rehearsal for 'The Rivals' meant I was unable to see Arctic Monkeys at Le Botanique, although I did spot their shiny double-decker tour bus as we drove by the venue. Fittingly, the band's arrival coincided with an evening of heavy snow showers. At their current level of hype and success, the Monkeys are probably beginning to feel like an Arctic storm should be part of their rider, rather than a piece of serendipity. Let's hope Alex Turner lucks upon a bargain bin copy of 'Be Here Now' while on the road; it's the perfect reminder of the necessity of keeping feet on the ground.
Comparisons with Oasis are frequent and inevitable for this latest northern rock sensation. But in one key area - the rhythm section - Arctic Monkeys are much the better band: they groove while Oasis have always sounded leaden-footed.