Arcade Fire - The Suburbs

Based out of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, indie-rock darlings Arcade Fire make their long awaited return with their highly anticipated follow up to 2007's Neon Bible titled The Suburbs. This album features much of the same baroque  pop and art rock arrangements that made them an immediate hit with their debut album Funeral in 2004. This disc ultimately solidifies Arcade Fire as the quintessential indie-rock band of the moment and makes this one of the most exciting albums of the year so far.

The disc's title track kicks off the album on a low-key scale with simple orchestral arrangements featuring the lead vocals of frontman Win Butler, whose vocal prowess emanates powerfully through this song and all the others on the album. The disc's first single, "Ready To Start" is a melodic and thumping number that features soaring instrumentation and if you listen closely, you can hear the background vocals of Regine Chassagne, who just so happens to be Win's wife. "Modern Man" is a solid, mid tempo number that plays it safe most of the time, but is able to hold its ground amongst all the others on the disc. "Empty Room" is a hybrid orchestral/baroque rock tune that powers through pretty quickly, and will leave you wanting more by the time the song is over. "City of No Children" features a great vocal combo of Win and Regine sharing vocal duties over a lush musical arrangement that leaves plenty to be desired. The two parter, "Half Light" features two distinct yet totally different songs. The first part is a melancholy and somber tune that features Regine's calm and relaxing vocals to lighten the mood a little bit. The second part is a more upbeat affair, setting the scene for the second half of the disc.

The disc's second half commences with my favorite song off the album, "Month of May" a fast paced, frenetic track that immediately picks up where the first half left off with a deluge of electric guitars set amidst a backdrop of drums and Win and Regine's vocals providing some additional energy for an exciting track all the way through. "Deep Blue" is a laid back, peaceful tune that provides for some reflective moments with simple instrumental arrangements and a straightforward melody. "We Used to Wait" is a richly melodic tune that features beautiful vocal harmonies that resonate very strongly with you after hearing it. The disc begins to wrap up with a two parter, "Sprawl". Part one highlights Win's beautiful and pristine vocals, solely relying on that alone guides the song to new heights never thought possible. Part two gives Win's wife Regine a chance to show off her vocal chops, which are set amongst a sea of vibrant instrumentation that closes out the album on an appropriate note. Arcade Fire have made a reputation of creating thematic backdrops for their albums that set off a whole rush of emotions inside the listener after hearing it, giving the listener the satisfaction of a worthwhile musical listening experience. This was definitely one of those albums that you'll want to listen to again after hearing it.

All in all, a spectacular listen from beginning to end that cements Arcade Fire's status as the preeminent indie rock band of our generation. Mike Diver, writer for the BBC hailed the album, going on to say, "You could call it their OK Computer, but it's arguably better than that." It would be very bold for me to say this album is better than OK Computer, but I can say and will tell you that this is their best album to date and their best album since Funeral. Highly recommended!

                                                                                                                      Album Score: 4.5/5

Track Listing:

1. The Suburbs
2. Ready to Start
3. Modern Man
4. Rococo
5. Empty Room
6. City With No Children
7. Half Light I
8. Half Light II (No Celebration)
9. Suburban War
10. Month of May
11. Wasted Hours
12. Deep Blue
13. We Used To Wait
14. Sprawl I (Flatland)
15. Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)
16. The Suburbs (continued)