The release of Arcade Fire's Neon Bible was one of the largest independent releases in the last year. The hype surrounding the album has been well-documented, and was especially notable on music blogs and websites, while the buzz also managed to find its way into several major mainstream publications like the New York Times. Part of this is due to successful guerilla marketing techniques by the band, but anticipation of a great record to follow up 2004's Funeral is undoubtedly a significant factor.

Funeral, as its title suggests, deals with themes of death and life. But don't be fooled: it more of a celebration than a wake. Neon Bible engages broad themes such as war, the cult of celebrity, and religion and has a darker overall tone.

This record also reveals a matured sound, with significantly improved production values. The bands multi-instrumentalists put their skills to good use on Keep The Car Running, the album's second track, and the first U.K. single. Hurdy-gurdy, mandolin, strings, are combined to produce an earthy sound, yet full of urgency to underscore its lyrical content.

The massive pipe organ makes its first appearance on "Intervention" and appropriately reminds one of a cathedral. This musical allusion serves to draw out even more strongly this critique of organized religion ("Working for the church while your family dies").

The calypso-infused, lilting, Ocean of Noise, the albums sixth cut, is another standout. The instruments are subdued, allowing Win Butler's impassioned vocals to come to the fore. His vocal performance on this album has drawn comparisons to Bruce Springsteen and while this analogy shouldn't be taken too far, the similarity is definitely there.

Yet it is the second half of the album where the band pulls no punches. (Antichrist Television Blues) is a rip-roaring, five-minute screed about the scourge of celebrity parents like Joe Simpson (Ashlee and Jessica). Windowsill might well be an expression of our zeitgeist, the spirit of our time. Butler laments "I don't want to fight in a holy war; I don't want the salesman knocking at my door; I don't want to live in America no more".

The success of an album might well be measured by whether you want to listen again once it's done. No Cars Go, a symphonic re-working of a track off of their untitled EP, featuring the Budapest Symphony, keeps the energy going right into the last track. My Body Is A Cage, another organ-infused number, leaves the listener practically begging for more. After being punched in the face by a wall of sound halfway through, Butler's plaintive vocals shift into major key, singing "Set my spirit free, set my body free". Ending with an unresolved chord is the musical equivalent of a cliff-hanger.

While the lyrical content of the album veers occasionally into high-school teen angst poetry, it is hard to be too cynical about the feelings behind the music. Having been fortunate even to witness the Arcade Fire's live show on 3 occasions, once within feet of the stage, I can say with all sincerity that the passion and energy that this band pours into its music is unmatched. The only thing more frequent than instrument switching among the band's large line-up is towelling off between songs.

Neon Bible is the type of album that comes along far too seldom. The occasional sub-par track, like Neon Bible (the song) are more than made up for by impressive performances like No Cars Go and the bi-polar Black Wave/Bad Vibrations. Like Funeral it is remarkably cohesive, with a great deal of thematic and musical unity. The growing popularity of the band (SNL appearances, opening for U2, etc.) removes the element of surprise, but the quality is still there. Having successfully followed up a critically acclaimed debut album, one can only be excited about what the future has in store for this Montreal troupe.

Track listing:

1. Black Mirror
2. Keep the Car Running
3. Neon Bible
4. Intervention
5. Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
6. Ocean of Noise
7. The Well and the Lighthouse
8. (Antichrist Television Blues)
9. Windowsill
10. No Cars Go
11. My Body Is A Cage

Related reviews
My review of Arcade Fire's debut Funeral
http://www.epinions.com/content_341042499204

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends