I bought the new album from these Montreal rockers last week, hoping that it would be at least in the same league as their masterpiece, Funeral. It is a great album that you will like if you were into Funeral. However, it does pale in comparison to their debut. The songs don't build up to the same intensity as on Funeral and in general, just aren't as good. Win Butler's voice fails to rise above the orchestra, strings, and rumbles on much of the album, in contrast to Funeral. Neon Bible definitely has a more muddled sound to it than their debut. The album grew on me over the weekend, but I didn't have the same emotional reaction to it as Funeral. However, comparisons to Funeral aside (which is one of my favorite albums in the last ten years), this is indie-rock at its finest. The wall of sound created by the 7-8 piece band and Win Butler's lyrics create an album that is interesting, dark, and beautiful. Just don't go into it expecting anthems and you'll enjoy it more.
4 comments:
Thanks for the review, Jon. I'll be checking that new one out and maybe actually purchasing Funeral. There was an article in the paper here about Arcade, calling them the Greatest Band in the World. I don't know if I'd go THAT far, but they are damn good.
i think i agree that it has an overall different sound and still a great album. Like you said, the initial reaction isn't as strong as it was on Funeral. I'll go out on a limb however and said, despite and because of fore mentioned attributes, i'd say it's as good as Funeral. Certainly one to digest and it gets better with time.
in other arcade fire news...
http://www.u2france.com/spip.php?article10219
I am not a big U2 fan, but come on. "Forcing" people to like their music? There's nothing wrong with trying to sell records. The masses won't like it if they don't hear it. They aren't going to go to pitchfork to find out about the new U2 album. Plus Bono needs to be a big star if he wants to keep his AIDS/poverty crusade going. Canadians. Just kinding, I love Canada - it's like America's nerdy but nice little brother.
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