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THE REVIEW
One should avoid being overwhelmed by 3 years of expectations, such is the gap since their beautiful debut album, and one should especially avoid looking for comparisons and references to other artists who came before them. In short, one should really listen to this album for what it is without overanalyzing it; and the task is not that simple, especially if you are someone who knows a lot about Anglo-Saxon pop-rock.
If you manage to do that, then it won't be difficult to let yourself be literally transported by these 11 tracks. The ingredients are not particularly original (quite the opposite), yet they are mixed with something rare, namely passion, honesty, humility, and perhaps even a bit of naivety. In these 11 tracks, you will find generous and courageous enthusiasm, intense vocals, and a surprising variety of instruments. Arcade Fire is more of a small orchestra than a band, where solos or technical prowess do not prevail, but rather the cohesion of the group, and this is the greatest strength of this latest work where beyond the reinterpretation of early 1980s new-wave, there is also an influence from Mercury Rev or Bad Seeds (thank goodness we weren’t supposed to reference other artists).
Take "No Cars Go": it starts with a very '80s rhythm, then strings and guitars and horns come in, and a vocal that really reminds me of Prefab Sprout, Oh God! I never liked the "Prefab Sprout"! but I am patient; the track evolves, the lyrics speak to me of a place where no vehicle can go, a place "Between the click of the light and the start of the dream" and then the rhythm grows, becomes a rousing march, a voice (on a megaphone?) shouts: "Women and children! Let's go!" and a chorus of voices joins in the background. I don't understand what’s happening; I am neither a woman nor a child, yet I feel urged to get up and march, with a spirit full of energy. And it’s certainly not the only noteworthy episode: the organ in "Intervention" creates a cathedral-like atmosphere that further elevates Win Butler's shouts, not to mention the more rarefied atmospheres of "Black Waves/Bad Vibrations", one of my favorite tracks, but in hindsight, there isn't a bad piece.
"Neon Bible" is, in my opinion, an excellent reaffirmation of Arcade Fire's talent, a more mature album, certainly more thoughtful and definitively enjoyable. Well done and keep it up!
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Summary by Bot
Arcade Fire's Neon Bible is a mature and passionate album that avoids originality but shines through honesty and cohesion. The 11 tracks blend 80s new-wave with rich instrumentation and energetic vocals. Highlights like "No Cars Go" and "Intervention" showcase the band's evolving sound and emotional depth. The review encourages listening without overanalyzing and praises the album as a strong reaffirmation of Arcade Fire's talent.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Arcade Fire
Arcade Fire is a Canadian (Montreal-associated) music group led by Win Butler and Régine Chassagne, known for multi-instrumental, orchestral indie rock that expanded into pop/dance and arena-scale live performances.22 Reviews
Other reviews
By mic
Arcade Fire first surprised me, then thrilled me, and finally made me fall in love.
Arcade Fire SUCCEEDED!! Neon Bible is the confirmation that this Canadian band is not here by chance.
By Pi.Per.
Win Butler and Regine Chassagne return with a new guise, less shiny and more conventional.
A work that demonstrates how Arcade Fire have matured and gained greater awareness of their abilities.
By joe strummer
Arcade Fire leaves aside some of the citationism and dives full speed into their talent, bringing forth thunderous explosions of newfound perfection and beauty.
Arcade Fire is writing the grammar of pop rock music for the new millennium.
By lemonbros
Arcade Fire... because when you hear a song from those mentioned before... YOU CRY.
It was difficult to repeat the creative/emotional success of the previous 'Funeral,' but the seven Canadians manage it perfectly.
By nickwire2
There are moments when technology, lights, and mechanics create a deafening and alien sound, a symphony of evil, the antechamber of hell.
Neon Bible summarizes all of this in seemingly disconnected episodes, actually tied with a double thread: amidst continuous neurotic ups and downs and stifled emotions.
