Arcade Fire - Neon Bible

Arcade Fire, that rather mysterious multi instrumental lot from Canada, have returned with a follow up to their debut Funeral with their new world weary Neon Bible. Where Funeral seemed haunted by family loss, yet still capable of moment of vigour like Wake Up, Neon Bible seems awash with wider issues of impending apocalyptic doom and gloom, wracked in word play close to Bob Dylan at his most devil wracked, whilst the music is just as ornate but far more sober and mid-tempo than previous. The indie rock frame work is still here, bolstered by any number of lush additions, from strings, harp, ivory tinkling and gospel choirs.

If anything, the over riding sombreness and cynical, furrowed brow is sometimes to the album’s detriment, lines like “Not much chance for survival, if the Neon Bible is true” do not paint a pretty picture when the Neon Bible Arcade Fire have authored is such a downer.

Album opener Black Mirror sets the scene for much of the record, with its sombre Echo And The Bunnymen shuffle over which Win Butler asks “Mirror, mirror, show me where the bombs will fall.” Rising at the end, in a mixture of strings and piano and echoed backing vocals, it manages to be an anthem that isn’t.

Following next, Keep The Car Running rides folk fiddle and a fiddly bass line to set the scene for Neon Bible’s most pop moment, a sort of catchy pop rocker filtered a folk orchestra.

The album does have a tendency to be stuck in a mid tempo rut, only this and No Cars Go really let loose, the celebrity sneering (Antichrist Television Blues) loses points because of its over earnest lyrics but is still a catchy rocker thanks to its Sun Records feel and old time rock n’ roll beat.

The rest of Neon Bible blurs together at first but gains strength through repeated plays. The pleading thunder of Ocean Of Noise goes for quiet disquiet, in a nervous Nick Cave sort of way is a personal favourite, wearing a broken heart on its sleeve around actual storm noise and sad trumpets.

The absolute stunner has to be the records’ finale My Body Is A Cage. Stark gothic blues, resembling what Mark Lanegan could do with a gothic choir, “set the spirit free, set the body free.”

This is perhaps on overly frowning record, but one that glistens with repeated plays, the urgency and delicacy of the layers of ornate music overrides some of the more end of the world fervor making for a moody little stunner.

Out now on Merge Records.

POST SCRIPT: This album is addictive. Even to hardened reviewers, post review.

[¡Punk!]

I've heard a few of this bands tracks and feckin' love them. Was wondering if the album would be worth picking up. I don't think this review's helped me decide either way.

[Draven]

Originally Posted by ¡Punk!

I've heard a few of this bands tracks and feckin' love them. Was wondering if the album would be worth picking up. I don't think this review's helped me decide either way.

Got the album the other day, I can say it's very very very good. Though Charlie has hit the nail on the head when he mentioned it's quite a sombre album.

But aye, buy it.

[sarabee]

Bought it. Liking it more as I play it more. So yeah

[Lowtone]

Bring a copy to motherwell miners club sara.

[Disco_Stew]

bought it on monday, fantastic album!

[sarabee]

Originally Posted by Lowtone

Bring a copy to motherwell miners club sara.

Why is there something happening? :P

I will but.

[Charlie Parker]

I listened to this after I reviwed it, DOESNT HAPPEN OFTEN

[¡Punk!]

You shoulda just put that at the bottom as well. Woulda swung it.

[Charlie Parker]

I'll add a post it note

done

[MarkMono]

All fucking right, I'll give them them a listen.

*Mutter, mumble*

[Charlie Parker]

I thought it would be boring

[Lowtone]

Originally Posted by sarabee

Why is there something happening? :P

I will but.

Do you think the DJ can shove on the Arcade Fire in between Dolly Parton and Robbie Williams for me?

I think I'll get this album next week when I have more money.