Arcade Fire

Neon Bible
Merge Records

Lesser bands have crumbled under the weight of critical acclaim and the subsequent expectations that have been heaped upon Montreal's Arcade Fire since issuing Funeral, its 2004 debut. Heralded as indie-rock saviors, compared to Byrne, Bowie and Botticelli, and thrown into the Colosseum for a to-the-death battle with Broken Social Scene, the scintillating septet has emerged miraculously unscathed from the hypestorm to produce a sophomore release of widescreen ambition, aching humanity and surprising simplicity. On Neon Bible, the group retains its familiar twitchiness, darkness and grandeur, but also strips itself down (at least in spirit) to folksy pop that owes as much to Springsteen as to Scritti Politti. What emerges recalls the dramatic, emotive work of fellow Canucks the Dears -- a dense and melancholic storm cloud that creeps into the afternoon, blotting out the overbearing sun and creating a canvas on which scary flashes of lightning arc like bridges to the evening, painting convulsive masterpieces across the darkened sky.

 
My Voice Nation Help
0 comments
Sort: Newest | Oldest
 

Concert Calendar

  • May
  • Sat
    25
  • Sun
    26
  • Mon
    27
  • Tue
    28
  • Wed
    29
  • Thu
    30
  • Fri
    31
Denver Event Tickets
©2013 Denver Westword, LLC, All rights reserved.
Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places Denver / Boulder

    Voice Places

    Find everything you're looking for in your city

  • Happy Hour App

    Happy Hour App

    Find the best happy hour deals in your city

  • Daily Deals

    Daily Deals

    Get today's exclusive deals at savings of anywhere from 50-90%

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    Check out the hottest list of places and things to do around your city