The Chronicle

Max Grebe
Staff Writer

Whether you’re into the indie scene, or not, chances are you’ve heard of Arcade Fire.

After emerging from the Montréal scene with their 2004 debut album “Funeral”, Arcade Fire’s success has only grown to stardom. I enjoy them because of their distinct sound and I can’t think of a single band that sounds like them, so whether you love ‘em or hate ‘em, you’ve got to give them credit.

One major trend with Arcade Fire is the different mood each album sets.

“Funeral”, being an album themed of grief, had obvious influences from folk to electronic while “Neon Bible” provoked many political statements and had a very progressive theme to it.

On Aug. 2, Arcade Fire released their newest creation, The Suburbs, which makes it apparent that these musicians aren’t fooling around. The song “Modern Man” features an abnormal time signatures of 5/4 in addition to the standard 4/4 time.

“The Suburbs,” which begins the album is a very simple, bright sounding song with a deep meaning that all of us can relate to. It’s about growing up in the boring suburbs and trying to get a thrill and feeling the the same way after growing up.

“Wasted Hours” is a sad folkinspired song about somebody looking back at the time he or she spent (and wasted) with past lovers.

The punk-inspired song “Month of May” was the only song on the album that I know of that did not get a positive response amongst Arcade Fire lovers. It is unlike most Arcade Fire songs in the way that it is much too repetitive.

In my opinion, Arcade Fire’s latest album “The Suburbs” is an excellent one. It isn’t better than “Funeral”, but it still captures the unique sound that Arcade Fire goes for with each of their albums. I’d give it four and a half stars.