The Arcade Fire

Arcade Fire

[Self-released; 2003]

Styles: indie pop, art-pop
Others: The Unicorns, Wolf Parade, Broken Social Scene, Modest Mouse

It was inevitable that, at some point or another, the music world would grace us with a band that could be considered the evolutionary offspring of the now famous Broken Social Scene. And how ironic that Arcade Fire, the newest addition to the molded and caressed sounds of BSS culture, resides in Montreal, Canada, possibly the coolest of indie rock hot spots, spawning such acts as The Unicorns, Shalabi Effect, and others. Filled with an endless supply of guilty pleasures, Arcade Fire’s self-titled, seven-track debut is marked, track after track, with elements of perfectly baked pop. And by the completion of the record, all that is realized is a sense that this band is only just beginning.

The elements are all present: poppy musical hooks, breathy female vocals, quirky song breaks and structures, sweet melodies, and art-rock derivatives which really underscore why we’re still so enamored with the sound of pop music. What’s more — Arcade Fire conveys these characteristics in a truly innovative, artistic way. From the straightforward and honest stomp of the opening track "Old Flame" to the down-tempo, acoustic flair of "The Woodland National Anthem," Arcade Fire embodies the sounds of modern day pop music by restructuring and reconstructing. This is also evident in the album’s centerpiece "No Cars Go," as Arcade Fire plummets within its musical output to conjure the sweetest pop song to be released so far this year. Filled with droning organ, rhythmic drum thumping, and a captivating bassline, "No Cars Go" showcases the band’s most intimate passion for the music they create. And this passion is truly evident on the entire record.

Arcade Fire displays a confidence in its music that is distinguishable and obvious. Beyond the comparisons to other credible bands, Arcade Fire permeates at a higher level of acceptance, with the potential to become an extremely popular musical group. The songs are catchy, infectious, and truly resonate with the listening audience. And don’t be surprised if you catch yourself singing their songs frequently after being exposed to their musical hypnotism. Because it’ll happen. So move aside pop moguls, there’s a new band in town. And I always thought Montreal, Canada was famous for their smoked meat.

1. Old flame
2. I’m sleeping in a submarine
3. No cars go
4. The woodland national anthem
5. My heart is an apple
6. Headlights look like diamonds
7. Vampire forest fire

by Wolfman

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