I’ve noticed a strange phenomenon recently. All of the indie kids have sweat rings under the armpits of their band t-shirts. Their asymetrical hairdos are limp! They’re wringing their hands and they may need to go to the bathroom soon. They have nervous stomachs. They are all about to crap themselves, is what I’m getting at, because the next Arcade Fire album is about to be released. Kids, calm down! The band has not sold out, the album does not suck, and its release is just around the corner (March 6, 2007).
I can’t quite put my finger on exactly what I love about the Arcade Fire. I think it may be because they are Canadian. I love Canadians. I’m a simpleton, which of course, you’ve already figured out about me. Blame Canada? Yeah, for awesome stuff! For instance, absinthe is legal in Canada (look how I love you, Dave). Canada is where it’s at! Two turntables, a microphone…bottles and cans! Clap your hands! You know what I mean.
Anyway.
Just like Funeral, Neon Bible is not an album I love on the first listen. It takes effort. Not that it isn’t evidently good upon first listen, because it is. There is just a lot to digest, plus the added anxiety I have about the album flopping miserably. Following up Funeral is not a job I would ever want for myself. At least they have absinthe to fall back on.
The mood of the album swings from solemn to exuberant to anxious and back again. Their trademark sound of orchestral instruments and elegant arrangements paired with half-assed garage guitar, hand claps, punky drums, church organs (in fact, the album was recorded in a church) and various other sorts of atmospheric goodness is firmly in place. There are lot of tempo changes in mid-song on this album, which I love. In some ways, this album feels more raw to me than Funeral, and yet there is still a clear progression of their sound. The band seems relaxed and in complete control of the very extensive library of sounds they are able to produce.
The album every bit lives up to Funeral. In fact, there is not even a need to compare it to that album. It stands strongly on its own without languishing in the intimidating shadow of Funeral. It’s an amazing album. Wipe your asses and comb your hairdos back in place, kids. Your band hasn’t failed you.
Rating: 9/10
3 Comments »
well, actually, i agree with you. i mean, like i said, i think the album stands on its own. however, funeral sounded so new and fresh and all that junk when it came out, whereas this just sounds like…the arcade fire.
you know?
the romance is over, and now we just have gratuitous sex. figuratively.
Hi Amber,
Good review. I will also go to bed less stupid tonight with my newfound knowledge of absinthe!
I did my own review and have found it very interesting to get other peoples views.
Thanks.
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Comment by joiezabel — February 2, 2007 @ 11:31 am
amber, great review. i agree with you for the most part. however, this probably will render me persona non grata in certain circles but - ready for it? - i do not think is as good as funeral. i can hear the collective gasp already so let me explain.
this album is GREAT. i am loving it. certain songs on it make me quiver with anticipation before they come on, etc, etc, all the things you want from a highly anticipated album from an incredible (and canadian!) band. howevs, i feel like their sound on funeral was so completely original and so emotionally evocative…those dark and cloudy songs that rip you up (like “laika”)… creating something like that is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime fluke. i am very proud of them for not trying to recreate their first effort though. and for evolving a bit…maybe that’s why neutral milk hotel never released anything after “aeroplane” - they were afraid nothing could top it. and they were probably right.
anyway, who’s writing this review anyway? i’ll shut up now. neon bible is indeed awesome. and yes, those tempo changes make it for sure. that is all.