On the subject of funerals, Don DeLillo observed, "the deceased’s life is redeemed, life itself is strengthened, reaffirmed." In accordance with this sentiment, the creatively fertile period that followed a series of family bereavements gave life to this arresting offering from Canada’s The Arcade Fire.
Funeral is a diverse collection of absorbing songs, each rich in both its thematic and sonic content. Colours of death, love, life, youth and family are splashed across a lush soundscape that seamlessly blends searing violin and subdued cello with indie riffs and disco beats.
Stylistic similarities have already prompted comparisons with acts like The Flaming Lips and The Pixies. Parallels can also be drawn with Talking Heads and New Order. On ‘Neighbourhood2 (Laika)’, Win Butler adopts the disjointed vocal nuances patented by David Byrne, while ‘Neighbourhood 3 (Power Out)’ would not be out of place in Sumner and co’s back catalogue. However, these illustrations serve only to give a rough outline of a far more complex picture. The breadth of musical genres and variety of moods explored on this album preclude any knee-jerk pigeon-holing on the part of any listener.
On perusing the sleeve notes one realises how talented the individuals in this collective actually are, each central member receiving a number of instrumental credits. Such versatility and originality leaves one wondering about the sonic treats the future holds in store (one is also left wondering about the strange preoccupation with neighbourhoods and neighbours, four titles and twelve references in total).
The attention to structure, form and detail lavished on each song and the clever marriage of contemporary sounds with classical string arrangements combine to create an opulent effect. From the sumptuous elegance of ‘Une Annee Sans Lumiere’ to the raw intensity of ‘Crown Of Love’ this is an album of emotional and musical contrasts... just as a funeral is at once a time to mourn death and celebrate life.