CanadaÔÇÖs brash indie outfit Arcade Fire returned this year, four years after the release of the epic ÔÇÿReflektorÔÇÖ to bring us a bold dancefloor filler in ÔÇÿEverything NowÔÇÖ. After a slew of fake reviews, fake companies and a head scratching social media marketing campaign Arcade Fire deliver a rejuvenated sound, abandoning their alt rock roots for an 80s disco groove. ÔÇÿEverything NowÔÇÖ is an electro pop backdrop to a damning indictment of modern life ÔÇ£infinite content, infinitely contentÔÇØ The juxtaposition of a light crisp sound mixed with heavy trudging lyrical attacks, an expansion on therhythmic tones present on ÔÇÿReflektorÔÇÖ.
The Montrealsixpiece donÔÇÖt shy away from expressing their thoughts on 21st century living, the central reoccurring theme of the album, ÔÇ£I canÔÇÖt live without everything nowÔÇØ.The record is a never-ending loop highlighting the incessant need for instant gratification and newmaterial. This sentiment is further dissected in the back to back tracks both titled infinite content, whereby the band relay the same song in two distinct styles, a ragged fast paced frenzy and a tranquil lull, a critique on the lack of originality within the music industry.
There is no let up from Will ButlerÔÇÖs dystopian outlook on this short but concise record; the end of society crammed into a mere 47 minutes. ÔÇÿCreatureComfortÔÇÖ sees the band delve into the morose themes of suicide, depression and confusion with oneÔÇÖs self ÔÇ£Make me famous if you canÔÇÖt just make it painlessÔÇØ an anthemic piece for the social outcasts of the world.
Despite its dour overtones the record is a melodic dance inducing feast which sees the band shed its skin for, ironically, a more radio friendly sound whilst still retaining the retro style that has been a stalwart of Arcade FireÔÇÖs identity since the release of their debut ÔÇÿFuneralÔÇÖ back in 2004.
ÔÇÿEverything NowÔÇÖ is the latest stop in the evolution of Arcade Fire, an ever-intriguing group delivering a constant stream of unique, thought provoking art albums each tackling contentious issues. The record is a real highlight of 2017; We want more, and we want it now!
Conan Cavanagh
Check out our faves from the year in this handy playlist!