Arcade Fire at Brixton Academy

The ever-popular trend of touring a band’s landmark album for a significant anniversary is always well-received. While it may not represent the most ambitious career move, let’s face it, hearing an artist’s seminal record live brings immense joy. For Funeral, it marks the 20^th year since its release, and it comes at a time when Arcade Fire are not at their peak: the latest work, WE, was far from inspiring, and Will Butler – the frontman’s brother and a driving force of their gigs – decided it was time for him to depart.

Brixton Academy is packed to the rafters, and as the air becomes increasingly heavy, a string quartet’s rendition of Vampire/Forest Fire from the band’s debut EP perfectly sets the stage for the start of the show. And what a start it is: the opening track, Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels), is a work of beauty. This slow-burner builds its unmistakable ethereal atmosphere instrument by instrument, guided by Butler’s emotive singing. It’s clear why Funeral was such an influential album in the alt-rock scene of the noughties.

The crowd ignites as the drums and electric guitar of Neighborhood #3 (Power Out) are powerfully belted out. There’s something absolutely unique about the sonic and emotional charge of these songs, which are so distinctly serious and intimate. And knowing that this feeling won’t be disrupted any time soon by the more lighthearted singles from the past decade keeps everyone in the zone.

The Crown of Love – Wake Up sequence is an obvious highlight, the latter being arguably the more meaningful work in the band’s entire discography. And it unites the audience like very few songs can. The echoes of the “ohh ohhhhhh” refrain is a defining moment in every show, and tonight is no exception. This continues to resonate in the acoustic rendition after the end of the concert and even as people walk into the tube station.

The excitement soars as the frontman walks into the crowd while the unmistakable bass line of Rebellion (Lies) begins to play. It’s the kind of song every songwriter wishes they had written; its raw energy is a celebration of indie music. Like much of the band’s work, it gradually builds to a climax, culminating in an incredible violin solo.

In the Backseat marks the end of the opening set, but Brixton is hungry for more ­– not just more songs, but more of those songs. In perfect symbiosis, Arcade Fire understand this and respond by playing their classics back-to-back, including My Body is a Cage, Keep the Car Running, and No Cars Go.

At that point, as the astonishing choral finale fades, they deliver the final blow with Ready to Start. It’s one of the most acute and straightforward rock hymns of their generation – so forceful yet understated. It’s the peak of the night, and everything that follows is just a bonus. And such an incredible bonus it is. The uplifting nostalgia of The Suburbs, the liberating spirit of Sprawl II, and, finally, the joyfulness of Everything Now, which transforms the venue into a whirl of exhilaration. This is exactly the kind of show the indie rock scene needs.

Filippo L’Astorina, the Editor
Photos: Filippo L’Astorina

For further information visit Arcade Fire’s website here.

Watch the video for Rebellion here: