Author: Emma Parker
If you hadn’t realized by now, Canada’s music scene is kind of awesome. Sadly, most of the good stuff barely makes it beyond the border. One exception is The Arcade Fire, based out of Montreal, who have found huge success both in their home country and abroad. In 2004, their first full-length album Funeral received worldwide acclaim, and on Mar. 6, 2007, the band released their sophomore album, Neon Bible.
Fortunately for fans, Neon Bible is just as outstanding as their first. The sound is different – generally more harsh and dramatic. Neon Bible is also more accessible; it features a wider variety of sounds and styles that make it easier to listen to and easier to get hooked. For beginner Arcade Fire listeners, however, it may take some close listening to pick up on the less catchy tracks and dark, often profound lyrics.
A definite highlight of the album is “Intervention,” which features pipe organs, beautiful backup vocals and haunting lyrics set to an ironically optimistic melody: “Been working for the church while my family dies / Your little baby sister’s gonna lose her mind.”
Another standout is “Keep the Car Running,” which recalls the string-laden songs from Funeral. Also worth mentioning is a re-recording of “No Cars Go,” which more dedicated fans might recognize from the band’s self titled EP of 2003.
Altogether, the album conveys Arcade Fire’s anti-pop culture attitude, including concerns about urban living, religion, war, and especially television. In good style, lead vocalist Win Butler sings, “MTV, what have you done to me? / Save my soul, set me free! / Set me free! What have you done to me? / I can’t breathe! I can’t see!”
Anyone who likes to steer away from mainstream music and feels like spending some quality time listening to some excellently arranged and executed music should give Neon Bible a go. It’s thoroughly enjoyable, and Arcade Fire’s distinct combination of pessimism and optimism makes them more thought provoking than your average rock band.
For those wanting a little something extra, the deluxe CD version comes with a holographic cover, two interesting and somewhat cryptic flip books and an artfully designed booklet of lyrics.
The band will play at the Coachella Valley Music Festival in April.
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