Arcade Fine

With her first true LP, 'Funeral' (2004), Arcade Fire has totally stunned as the critical international rock that ceusses-as-you-and me who pay out of pocket their new discs. Even David Bowie became a sort of groupie, and we will grant me that the type generally rather tasteful ...

In 'Arcade Fire' (2003), his first LP published almost at the author, Arcade Fire placed in 3rd beach a song ('No Cars Go') would become a "massacre" after being reworked to inspire 'Funeral '. But despite these qualities (*** 1/2. I just hear it again), this first test does not presaged the tidal wave that accompanied the album and tour.

With its 'Funeral' (***** to replay), Arcade Fire marabout truly global rock press, which holds the last for true living gods.

'Neon Bible' (2007, *** 1/2 to replay. The final version It includes 'No Cars Go') was a big disappointment in view of the constant rise proposed by his predecessor. But the press has downplayed the shock. And the group has provided on tour.

In truth, 'The Suburbs' (2010, *** 1/2 replay), has not really reassured the scribbler of these lines and, admittedly, a little Federated public. Some long video I even put the chips ... But the group insured tour.

So, 'Funeral' he will remain a flash of genius without a future?

A "buzz" that is matched only with Daft Punk for his 'Random Access Memories' preceded the publication of this expected 'Reflector' (2013) as two CD (quantitatively, all easily fit on a disc , with some editing).

'Reflector' is not 'Funeral: return'. The selections are longer, heavier, worked, with the help of his friend James MURPHY (DFA Records, LCD Soundsystem). It also looks like some other predecessors, because one of the great qualities of the group is to renew itself.

'Reflector' (7:33) the opening song, is probably destined to become a classic "rock dance". On a disco rhythm, first with synthesizers to Moroder 'The Chase', the duo Win / Régine hardens with the approach of the 3rd minute with synth more "acid" to finish with a nice gimmick piano .

'We Exist (5:43), mid-tempo, bass / drums in front, recessed guitar is very "eighties". Friendly but a little one in response to the first track. 'Flashbulb Eyes' (2:42) reggae sounds. 'Here Comes The Night Time (6:30) looks at the very beginning to the Diplo, then calms down and gets heavier while remaining "West Indies" in his rhythm. Attention is maintained during the period with an effect of "speed / slow" or two. 'Normal Person' (4:22) almost looks like the opening track of 'Sleep Forever' Crocodile, mix a little trippy Neu! and distorted guitar. "You Already Know" (3:59) is a pop-rock song that bouncy, if one was wicked, we would define as the preferred Zaz on this disc. 'Joan Of Arc' (5:26) is very punk in the beginning, before adopting an almost "glitter beat" Regine and put forward to some verses in French at the approach of the end.

'Here Comes The Night Time II' (2:52), correct, nevertheless I was not especially inspired when taking notes for this comment. 'Awful Sound (Oh Eurydice)' (6:13) begins as a slow song vaguely soul before evolving into a rather epic ballad and bright. 'It's Never Over (Hey Orpheus)' (6:42) recalls a heroic rock 1980s (big drums, guitar riff ... but not with the sound of bagpipes Big Country!), Which increasingly plays dynamic "loud / quiet" dear to Pixies. Then we pour into an electronic final. 'Porno' (6:02) is a synthetic competent ballad. 'Afterlife' (5:52) is more "synth-pop" or "dancey" on Who Made Who. 'Supersymmetry' (5:56) has a penchant "space" or "hovering" despite a pace while bearing on the toms. 'Untitled' (5:14) looks like a cover of a composition Ed Grocer, who ends the CD compilatoires found (sometimes) with the weekly "Inrocks".

What about in the end? We have a beautiful Experimento-pop album, well thought out, well interpreted, well produced, well sequenced, pleasant to listen, in a beautiful packaging with cardboard sheets with the lyrics etc. worthy of a great band of the century ... but that does not take off, and that does not take off like all of 'Funeral' was able to do and always does.