Arcade Fire / Reflektor (single review)

I am pretty sure right now as I write I am listening to the new Arcade Fire track, 'Reflektor.' It sounds as spectacular as only this band could. It has voices that are as unique as those of Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, and yes, that DOES sound like Mr. Bowie. Surprisingly, it is an eight minute opus, is completely based in the roots of dance music, and is a total challenge from the start. That is no slight at all on the track, I mean that with the utmost respect. So, the track has a murky and confusing opening, a dance beat kicks in, a drifting saxophone in the distance, and Win Butler's voice, gentle and romantic, filling the room. When his wife Regine starts singing it begins to suck you into the Arcade Fire's universe. It is dramatic, incredibly bright and colourful, the sections are well defined, the whole thing gently coming in and out of your ears, building, exploding into some kind of chorus. The dynamics are mind blowing.When the piano taps in at the 5 minutes and 30 seconds mark only then does this song begin to sound like a complete classic for these times. In fact, it feels like a potential life changing moment, from this band, again. There are goosebumps, and despite wanting to wait until 9pm tomorrow, it was just too irresistible, and to be frank, given what I am listening to it is not even remotely surprising.

It's testament to how good this set of musicians is that they can evolve into such different musical territory and yet somehow make the transition seem totally fluid and seamless. Let us not forget for the best part of ten years this has been an alternative rock outfit, only landing anywhere near this kind of territory on the latter stages of 2010's 'The Suburbs.'

Welcome back to the Arcade Fire. It's hard to think of many bands that are even remotely close to this kind of platform, for ideas, for execution and for ability. Long may the band reign, for it is a gift to us all. So, the majestic build up towards tomorrow's first airing was somewhat sabotaged, but let's be honest, they pulled us in before we had heard a note, they have us dangling on a thread, and this, well this is more than anyone could ever have expected. It is remarkable when a band like this comes along, it needs acknowledging while they are still in action. You never know what you've got until it's gone, perhaps this time we shouldn't make that mistake.

September 8th, 2013 (Dominic J Stevenson)