Funeral review

Modern music hasn't grabbed me much. Much of it is just artificial and repetitive, sometimes catchy but never truly attention grabbing. The only modern artists who have truly grabbed me are Eminem and Lady Gaga which is an odd combination. Arcade Fire are one of the few genuinely well regarded modern music artists. This is the Canadian Indie Rock band's first album, Funeral.

Tracks:

1. Neighbourhood #1 Tunnels: 10/10 widely regarded as one of Arcade Fire's best and with good reason. The lyrics are ambiguous yet hugely powerful and every brilliantly played instrument blends together perfectly. Since it's a melancholy tune you need to be in the right mood to listen to it but it's truly, genuinely and devastatingly beautiful.

2. Neighbourhood #2 Laika: 7/10 I don't know about this one. What sets this album apart is how different it sounds, but this just feels like many other things I've heard before. It's pleasingly obscure and gains momentum in the chorus but this one doesn't always connect.

3. Une Annee Sans Lumiere: 8/10 a quieter but equally as compelling song which really speaks to you... even though some of it is in French. Subdued for much of its runtime it then subverts expectations and builds to a kinetic outro.  

4. Neighbourhood #3 Powers Out: 10/10 despite the title the power is definitely not out. With its fantastic intro, hauntingly powerful lyrics, overwhelming speed and incredible amount of emotion surging through every beautifully played chord this in fact has enough energy to power a large city. Stunning.

5. Neighbourhood #4 7 Kettles: 8/10 not jolly in any way, shape or form and another haunting and obscure song, this one boasts more intelligent lyrics and instrumental magic, as well as some great violin playing underlining it. The neighbourhood referred to in these 4 songs seems to be a pretty depressing place but it's been brought to life in the best way possible.

6. Crown of Love: 9/10 this one is pretty intense. Full of emotion, striking lyrics and pathos this one ruthlessly forces its way into your consciousness and stays there.

7. Wake Up: 8/10 despite treading similar thematic ground as the rest of the album, this track is full of brilliant vocalising and as it's always building towards a crescendo it never runs out of gas.

8. Haiti: 8/10 a very moving song and one that should not be forgotten when discussing the album although that is made a little difficult by the fact that it just sounds fairly similar to other tracks on the album in some ways.

9. Rebellion Lies: 10/10 one of the bands signature songs, this is a true classic. Hugely catchy and once again filled with emotion, this is one I can listen to again and again with its power still intact. The chorus is the best moment on the album.

10. In the Backseat: 8/10 a strong closer for the album. While the way it just finishes its lyrics before repeating them is a little annoying, it's a first relaxing, then powerful but always riveting song even though it's a little too long.

Best song: Neighbourhood #3 Powers Out
Worst Song: Neighbourhood #2 Laika

Summary: A brilliant debut album overall. Since the songs feel thematically linked it really feels like an album, and it's a true song writing showcase. However, what really sets it apart is the beautiful, unique and brilliantly composed music which uses so many different instruments yet blends them together with ease. The album on the whole is melancholy as hinted at by the title, so you do need to be in the right mood for it. Otherwise it's a treat.

Final rating: 10/10