Peter Steward's Web Pages

Arcade Fire

Canadian Rock Group

Studio Albums

Funeral (2004)

Neon Bible (2007)

 

Compilations

 

 

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Titles in red have been reviewed. Those in black are to be reviewed

 

 Arcade Fire

Funeral - 7

Neighbourhood 1 - Tunnels / Neighbourhood 2 - Laika / Une Annee Sans Lumiere / Neighbourhood 3 - Power Out / Neighbourhood 4 - 7 Kettles / Crown Of Love / Wake Up / Haiti / Rebellion / In The Backseat

Just occasionally a band comes along with real originality and power and that was certainly the case with Canada's Arcade Fire on their debut album - reminiscent of so much American of the period but at the same time with its own unique sound. Funeral has a life affirming feelgood factor despite being prompted by the deaths of a number of family members during its recordings. It still takes a large leap of faith to focus on such depressive subjects and somehow make them feel uplifting. There are some outstanding pieces overlaid across a fully orchestral kind of feel with Wake Up an outstanding track that just builds and builds before suddenly coming to a halt. As a debut album it is highly recommended.

 
Neon Bible - 5.5

Black Mirror / Keep the Car Running / Neon Bible / Intervention / Black Wave - Bad Vibrations / Ocean of Noise / The Well and the Lighthouse / (Antichrist Television Blues) / Windowsill / No Cars Go / My Body Is a Cage

Considerable merit in this album as well, but there seems to be a spark missing after Funeral. The band seem to be more aligned to rock n roll although it's still difficult to categorise them and there are plenty of anthemic work here including a huge organ solo introduction on Intervention that is reminiscent of Saint Saens. I also have a sneaking regard for the single No Cars Go. Sadly this album falls just short of the very high standards set by Funeral.