Search - Arcade Fire :: Funeral

If they don't wake you up, I don't know who will...

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 04/09/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, so I'll start this rather honestly by stating that if it weren't for my total adoration of the film adaptation of `Where the Wild Things Are' I wouldn't have any clue who Arcade Fire was. But, thanks to the strategic placement of the flawless track `Wake Up' in the trailers for that glorious film, I was brought to a nostalgic place that moved me to pick up this album.



Finding a genre to place Arcade Fire in is hard. They seem to be a genre all their own. There is obvious rock influences here, but there is also folk and pop and an almost theatrical aspect to their music that makes it larger than life, or at least take on a life all its own.



I'll start by breaking down the `Neighborhood' tracks. There are four of them. The only one I dislike is `Laika', which is a little too abrasive for their own good. Win's vocals are not the best in the industry, but he uses them effectively on most of the tracks here. On `Laika' he abuses them and the band comes off like a garage band trying to be `hard'. It just doesn't work for me. `7 Kettles' is drastically different, creating a calming feeling almost, with a fluid serenity that calls to mind something almost ethnic (I get an Irish folk type vibe here). `Power Out' feels like controlled chaos, and I like that. The vocals are a little harsh at times, but the overall catchy flow of the track is infectious and totally lovable.



But, of the four `Neighborhood' tracks, the best is easily the opening `Tunnels'. This is the first taste we get of what this band can do, and lyrically and musically this song is stunning. I love the softness that is created with the musical arrangement (that also likes to play with some backing guitar to create a fanciful atmosphere).



These lyrics are just sublime.



The rest of the album may even be better than these four tracks. The delicacy of `Une Annee Sans Lumiere' is marvelous. It has a lullaby feel to it, one that lulls you in all the right ways. It is sincere and earnest and moving. `Crown of Love' has a seemingly theatrical tone, something almost epic in production. I get a very vintage feel from it (it defiantly has some aged influences) and the way that the track builds gradually is phenomenal.



`Haiti' is bouncy and delightful in scope and presentation.



`Rebellion' and the closing track `In the Backseat' are both stunning and very commanding. The subtle emotional resonance of the strings accompanying `In the Backseat' beautifully contrast the commercial approach taken to `Rebellion'. They are two very different yet very complimentary tracks.



A great way to close out the album.



But, what review is complete without total doting over the star track, `Wake Up'? This track is, in a word, perfect. From the intro, which rises and falls at just the right moment, to the tracks effortlessly heightened embrace of nostalgia and human enchantment, this is an unforgettable musical experience in itself. Lyrically, the track is moving and stirring and unbelievable astute, and musically it understands its themes and captures them with the swift rapturous collision of sound.



Easily one of my favorite songs of the decade.



In the end I totally recommend this album. There really isn't a low point (outside of `Laika'). Even though Win is not the most accomplished singer, he uses his vocal limitations to create a feeling of authentic emotional connection, allowing his blemishes to compliment his vision, not detract from it.



Just buy this album!"

For those who suffered many funerals

Justice | The Midwest | 06/15/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was shocked to read that these musicians suffered a lot of family deaths, almost all at once, that this album is inspired and dedicated to. The birth of this music comes from a very interesting place... and I dont know if thats what made it amazing and unique or that this band as a whole is bound for stardom.



The energy, the lyrics, the vocals, all of it is powerful and fun. I wasnt impressed with mabye two of the songs for being drawn out or too high pitched. But that should not deter you.



I really love the CD as a whole."