“Up next, the Canadian national anthem.”
While this quote was taken slightly out of context, Arcade Fire’s “Intervention,” or any of their songs for that matter, would draw few complaints if it was indeed Canada’s anthem. The Montreal natives’ rise to fame has been nearly exponential in their five years of existence. Their debut release, 2004’s Funeral, was adored by critics and made the Billboard Top 200 chart. Soon thereafter, the Canucks made their rounds of the major music festivals including Lollapalooza, Coachella, and the Sasquatch! Music Festival. By November 2005, little over a year after its release, the album had sold over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Arcade Fire is currently on the road supporting their most recent effort, the five month old Neon Bible. The album debuted at number 2 in the U.S. and is close to going gold all the while being signed to indie label Merge Records. I was privileged enough to take in the band’s recent show at The “Legendary” Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. By “Legendary” I believe the owners mean cavernous, possessing horrible acoustics, and awkward, but that’s a loose translation. However, Arcade Fire’s soaring choral arrangements, flowing strings, and escalating song structure made me forget any notions of the horrible environment.
The Canadian’s set was the definition of a rock show, which is surprising seeing as they come off as underdog indie nerds. It was pure fist pumping, clap-along, shout-along rock. Even though they have been coined the next “World’s Greatest Band”, this term may be giving them a little too much credit. The music industry is past the point where everyone can unite around one band like The Police, U2, or Queen. However, saying Arcade Fire will reach the status of The Cure or The Smiths is a safe bet. They have a quirky, dorky, visage mixed with enough amounts rock sensibility to create epic arrangements comparable to those of Muse. Although, where Muse strives to be as ambitious as possible using guitars, Arcade Fire strives for the same goal using a myriad of instruments ranging from organ to accordion.
While the band consists of seven members, that number grows to 10 while on tour and it is a writhing sight to be seen. The band managed to get the entire venue standing; quite the feat when you consider that the seated sections are two stories above the floor. Arcade Fire didn’t even have to coax us to play along. There weren’t any “Let’s go guys!” followed by over-exaggerated claps. Their songs naturally lend to clap-alongs and choral shouts which were eagerly provided by each and every concertgoer. The act played each song like it was their last. Beginning delicately and slowing crescendoing into a roar, there was not a quaint moment.
The Arcade Fire experience is truly what a concert should be. Everyone in the venue solely fixated on the band and deafened by their roar, all the while being an active participant. If you haven’t caught the Arcade Fire wave, I recommend you do so soon. While they may appear intimidating at first, soon enough you will be mesmerized by their depth and corresponding crank-your-speakers and rock-out immediacy. And if you have learned nothing else, make sure that the next time these raucous Canadians are in your city you are the first person in the venue, ready to be swept up in the roar of Arcade Fire.
