A hymnal for the dissaffected

Arcade Fire
Neon Bible



The religious theme that extends throughout Arcade Fire's music amounts to more than their recent use of a church organ, there is a strong theological undercurrent that pervades their debut album 'Funeral' (UK 2005) and which is also evident on their latest effort 'Neon Bible', which is released in Europe on March 5th and in the USA and Canada on the following day. A casual review of the lyrics for Neon Bible will reveal a vocabulary peppered with references to 'God', 'Throne', 'Hope', 'Religion', 'Church' and even a titular reference to the 'Antichrist'. Don't get confused though this language is not used to formulate a didactic sermon from some sectarian pulpit this is a humanist confessional borne from vulnerability, uncertainty and sometimes, hope.


In an increasingly hedonistic society it is unusual to encounter a band like Arcade Fire. The initial reaction to their high energy cacophony of instrumentation can be a little disconcerting given the trend for the restored familiarity of guitar and drum driven Indie music which has thankfully supplanted the banal boy band pap which was prevalent throughout the 1990s. The impassioned vocal delivery of frontman Win Butler may seem a little too twee for some who prefer the throaty workmanlike growl of the re-established singer songwriter genre (Gawd bless 'em all.) Add to this the band's rejection of celebrity and their renowned interaction with their increasingly large band of devout followers and you have something special - the image at least tells us this is a band that cares.


This band doesn't care in the way that Bono and Geldof 'care' this band has announced a new agenda. The Arcade Fire has confronted isolation, tenderness and bewilderment and presented it to their audience. They have acknowledged uncertainty and self doubt while also embracing morality and spirituality. Thankfully this flies in the face of the traditional badass 'Rock n' Roll' industry which has always been fuelled on a perceived youthful rebellion. In an era when the excessive behaviour of some parents exceeds that of their own offspring is the 'Rock n' Roll' rebellion just a little jaded and irrelevant?


Arcade Fire seem to attract a dedicated and diverse congregation of fans from all generations, musical tastes and cultural backgrounds. Waifs and strays and a good sprinkling of lapsed churchgoers would not appear out of place at one of their gigs. What they share in common is uncertain but their passion for the band and it's music amounts to a crusade that could gather momentum once the band encounter the mainstream acceptance that is sure to come their way with the release of 'Neon Bible'.

This album is more measured than the chaotic energy, angst and delirium that is 'Funeral'. Neon Bible hangs together as a well produced collection of exceptionally good songs performed by musical craftsmen who have clearly honed their instrumental skills in the period since the release of 'Funeral'.


This is a magnificent album and you must buy it.

Arcade Fire - Neon Bible
*****