Indie Band’s latest album is anything but groundbreaking.
Artwork by Ed Gloor
Though The Arcade Fire’s latest album, The Suburbs (2010), has received critical acclaim, this critic is less than impressed.
This Montreal-based band is best known for its single No Cars Go and for bringing a wide array of instruments with them when they perform in concert. Their song Wake Up has been featured in NFL commercials and the Where the Wild Things Are trailer. In light of the band’s acclaim, I was justifiably disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong, they have a very good sound, and the most popular song from the album (Ready To Start) is popular for a good reason! But there’s nothing about the band that sets it apart. They’re the opposite of what I want from an indie band because they sound just like every other indie band. That’s why people like them. Though they claim to be indie and may be signed to an independent label, they are mainstream. If a band is on the radio and playing all throughout the Superbowl, it is not an indie band, Montreal-based or not!
Regardless of my gripe with their self-proclaimed genre, the music isn’t fun to listen to. A few lyrics are deep and beautiful, such as, “In this town where I was born, I’m now seen through a dead man’s eyes.” The few lovely lyrics, however, are canceled out by the song Rococo which is comprised almost entirely of the word “Rococo” repeated over and over and over again.
The band is essentially an amalgam of other bands like The Smiths, Bright Eyes and Bruce Springsteen. The Arcade Fire, however, has taken these influences and sapped them of the spark that made the bands worth listening to. The album’s only upbeat song is still boring and sounds like they’re trying too hard to be upbeat. It almost makes me wish they’d stayed with their laid-back theme. The repetitive lyrics, relaxed (read: boring) motif, and lackluster beats make the album near impossible to listen to all the way through.
Overall, the band is good for the masses, or good background music for when it’s not necessary to actually concentrate on what’s playing. They’ve got a great sound, but as far as something that’s actually worth the time it takes to listen to, I’d suggest going with The Smiths, Bright Eyes, Ben Folds or Of Montreal.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Songs on the album I can stand:
1. Ready To Start
2. Empty Room
3. Suburban War
