At times Arcade Fire is a bit too cute for me. They are consciously big and bleak, with exotic touches and the spirit of a pep rally -- a marching goth band. Funeral (2004) shows a gift for melody and the ability to construct a good album from start to finish. Neon Bible boasts a darker tone and the converted church in which it was recorded. Long on texture and short of compelling moments (the standouts being "Windowsill" and "No Cars Go"), it rates a concerned shrug. Are these guys better-than-indie? There is hope yet.

2009-12-24 - Jack Cormack

track list Black Mirror Keep The Car Running Neon Bible Intervention Black Wave/Bad Vibrations Ocean Of Noise The Well And The Lighthouse (Antichrist Television Blues) Windowsill No Cars Go My Body Is A Cage