In recent weeks, Arcade Fire have kept fans and music bloggers on the edge of their seats, anticipating news of an album release and tour dates.With news that a 12'' single, including "Month of May" and "The Suburbs" has finally been released, it takes a moment for the initial excitement to subside
After listening to the online stream, it is hard to decide where this album will fall in line in the Arcade Fire discography. Although it is difficult to peg an entire album off of two songs, it is still enough to get the curiosity and critiques flying.
With "Month of May", it's easy to see that the band hasn't lost their touch. The fast, monotonous drumming is accompanied by the signature fast-spoken male/female vocals. At first, the lyrics seem a bit superficial and forced; why on earth would this band, who always seem to have something brilliant to say, write about writing an album in the month of May? It takes a few spins to realize that, upon further listening, there is a lot more to the lyrics than simply talking about writing an album - it almost seems to be a confession that it took more effort to write this album than the previous two. If this is true, things could get interesting once the entire album is finished.
Next up, the straight-forward single "The Suburbs" tells even more tales of a tortured soul, worrying about the effects that the world and people have on one another. With a quick tempo, the song begins an upbeat one before lyrics lead into a darker place. The tortured vocals seem to encompass your attention by enveloping you with a sense of being lost and disappointed, much like a teenager in... well, suburbia.
All in all, it is hard to imagine topping either of their previous albums. Still, the more I hear "Month of May" and "The Suburbs", the more I am impressed by the direction the band has taken. Could Arcade Fire be writing an album full of anthems for all those chasing their youth? Will they prove that even the most talented artists cannot stop time?
Whether we will be solving riddles to relate with the lyrics, I can't say. However, I can say that The Suburbs is already at the top of my "Most Anticipated" list; as if it were ever questionable. Sure, I still have a few reservations as to what this album will provide, but I am certain that I won't be let down. I can't yet tell if this one will take some time to grow on me, but quite frankly, each time these songs start over, my fears subside a little more.
For those of you living under a rock, the band has graciously provided a place to stream the singles online. (In true Arcade Fire style, the vinyl and lyrics are even interactive.)
The Suburbs will be released August 2 in the U.K. and August 3 in the U.S. & Canada. Pre-orders can be made from the band's website.
June
28 - Helsinki, Finland @ The Senate Square
30 - Rättvik, Sweden @ Dalhalla
July
2 - Arendal, Norway @ Hove Festival
4 - Werchter, Belgium @ Rock Werchter
9 - Dublin, Ireland @ Oxegen
13 - Ottawa, Canada @ Ottawa Bluesfest
31 - Montréal, Canada @ Osheaga Festival
August
8 - Chicago, USA @ Lollapalooza
14 - Toronto, Canada @ Olympic Island
27 - Leeds, UK @ Leeds Festival
28 - Reading, UK @ Reading Festival
29 - Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, France @ Rock en Seine
31 - Berlin, Germany @ Tempodrom
September
2 - Bologna, Italy @ Arena Parco Nord
