Published on Dec 23, 2005
Attention deficit disorder is sweeping the music
nation. One minute-long spot on The OC and a band is
proclaimed the next Beatles to legions of adoring fans for just
about that long.
Of course, there’s always the next sensation waiting
in the wings for their shot at the limelight. But even amid that
atmosphere, some bands manage to awe even the most jaded of music
reviewers (okay, maybe not jaded… hopefully I’ve got a few years
for that). The Arcade Fire is one of them.
Bought on a whim after an iTunes binge,
Funeral is of the best albums to emerge out of the past few
years. On first listen, the Canadian-born musicians manage to take
you to their world , combining sweeping, picturesque scenery with a
vast amount of instruments (an accordion and a xylophone are
particularly notable). In an era characterized by lip-synching and
barely legal popstars, it’s somehow feels that bit more special to
discover a band that’s honestly talented. Each of the seven
musicians can be found switching instrumental duties in between
songs on their accredited live show.
Funeral is the band’s debut album after they
formed in mid-2003 around the husband and wife pair, vocalists (and
harmonica-ist, among other credits) Win Butler and Régine
Chassagne. It’s one of those albums that can be shoved in the CD
player at any time and immediately transport you elsewhere.
Funeral illustrates not only the pain of loss, as the title
would suggest, but the desire to achieve, to break out of the
restraints that the quartet of ‘Neighborhood’ themed songs places
upon us all at some point.
From the lilting first track, “Neighborhood #1
(Tunnels),” to the standout building climax of “Wake Up,” The
Arcade Fire never falls into repetitiveness or trite metaphors
relating to lost memories of youth. It remains real and raw
throughout its entirety, which I consider to be a feat. The only
slow point it hits is at the end, in the drawn out “In The
Backseat.” The simplistic lyrics just don’t have enough meat to
make up for clocking in at over six minutes.
This is one of those bands I’m truly hoping gains the
respect they deserve without separating too far from what made them
unique. Now who wants to bet on which instrument is next to be
introduced into their lineup? I’m putting my money on bagpipes.