Fact 1
Win Butler "I was born in Truckee, California so I know what a a shithole looks like
- Birmingham this is a shithole" (massive cheer from crowd) - Start of Arcade Fire at the NEC Birmingham UK - 2012.
Fact 2
On leaving the concert to my friends "they are an amazing live band - all that energy gets lost on their albums" - I wonder if anyone was listening to us as we walked into the night.
Reflektor
That may be a flight of fancy but Reflektor has for the first time caught the energy of their live performances - it's not that polite usual buttoned-up approach - step forward producer James Murphy who must be congratulated on finally capturing their drive and verve on disc.
That may be a flight of fancy but Reflektor has for the first time caught the energy of their live performances - it's not that polite usual buttoned-up approach - step forward producer James Murphy who must be congratulated on finally capturing their drive and verve on disc.
Arcade Fire get funky -you know it's an Arcade Fire album but it rocks and it's instantly recognisable and delivers their trademark vocals with punch and verve.
Volume 1
1:1 Reflektor - sets out the intent - Arcade Fire at the disco - enjoying themselves!
1:2 We Exist - bass driven, sparse with good interplay between Win & Regine.
1:3 Flashbulb Eyes - echo, dub, reverb
1:4 Here Comes The Night Time - frantic start, slows down, traditional AF
1:5 Normal Person - AF rock out - the Stones would be proud of this!
1:6 You already Know - Jonathan Ross start & finish - world gone mad
1:7 Joan Of ARC - 70's beat & feel, strong backing vocals
Volume 2
2:1 Here Comes The Night Time II - AF circa Neon Bible then it blossoms
2:2 Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice) - atmospheric, eerie & singalong
2:3 It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus) - bass & guitar led, great backing vocals Regine
2:4 Porno - finger clicking, great organ (couldn't resist), tense
2:5 Afterlife - a grower, builds in stature to chorus
2:6 Supersymmetry - simple but complex - I know I've finally lost the plot
Volume 1
1:1 Reflektor - sets out the intent - Arcade Fire at the disco - enjoying themselves!
1:2 We Exist - bass driven, sparse with good interplay between Win & Regine.
1:3 Flashbulb Eyes - echo, dub, reverb
1:4 Here Comes The Night Time - frantic start, slows down, traditional AF
1:5 Normal Person - AF rock out - the Stones would be proud of this!
1:6 You already Know - Jonathan Ross start & finish - world gone mad
1:7 Joan Of ARC - 70's beat & feel, strong backing vocals
Volume 2
2:1 Here Comes The Night Time II - AF circa Neon Bible then it blossoms
2:2 Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice) - atmospheric, eerie & singalong
2:3 It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus) - bass & guitar led, great backing vocals Regine
2:4 Porno - finger clicking, great organ (couldn't resist), tense
2:5 Afterlife - a grower, builds in stature to chorus
2:6 Supersymmetry - simple but complex - I know I've finally lost the plot
In my opinion this only reinforces the position of Arcade Fire as one of the most forward thinking and progressive indie bands alongside Radiohead and Massive Attack - exalted company indeed.
Arcade Fire are never content to stand still - someone once told me it is not the size of the organism but it's ability to change that will define it's success - based on this I expect to have Arcade Fire around for a while.
Arcade Fire are never content to stand still - someone once told me it is not the size of the organism but it's ability to change that will define it's success - based on this I expect to have Arcade Fire around for a while.
I didn't feel there was a duff track on this album - it continuously surprised and delighted me with it's sonic bravado and sheer unbridled enthusiasm.
My favourite album of the year so far alongside London Grammar - If You Wait.
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