28 November 2009
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Friday 2005 reviews

The Arcade Fire at Reading 2005

Review: The Arcade Fire

By Matt Dyson
Canada's The Arcade Fire are tipped to be THE band of 2005 and played the Radio 1/NME stage on Saturday. Read the review and then let us know what you thought via the Have Your Say box below.

This is great. That’s all that should be written about this gig as, essentially, that’s what it is. Of course, that doesn’t really mean a lot to those who missed out.

What we have is a stage brimming with all sorts of exotic instruments and musicians who are all playing like it’s their last day on earth.

Taken from the debut, Funeral, it’s an orchestra of life-affirming celebration and lump in the throat melodies. There is Neighbourhood Part One, Two and probably Three. It really doesn’t matter what they are called. We just hope they keep playing.

If every funeral was like this you’d be dancing on the casket. But why wait for a fatality? See them as soon as you can. See them as often as you can. While you still can.

last updated: 30/08/05

Have Your Say

Callum
Stupid me, how did i get caught up seeing bland razorlight, when the best and most original band of 2005 were on!? Beautiful music, regret missing it!

Anthony Ive
Absolutely unbelievable! I've been into The Arcade Fire for about 3 months now and was really looking forward to seeing then live but I was totally blown away. there aren't enough superlatives to describe the gig. All I can say is go and see them live because they produce breathtaking music! I always try and get involved in any gig I go to but I found myself jumping up and down & singing out loud like a complete loony whilst everyone around me didn't know what was going on. One of the best performances I've ever seen.

Ali
The Arcade Fire concert on saturday was one of the most moving shows I've been to in a long time. The way this band's music can make you feel is something otherwordly. They can make you feel like you don't know what to feel, a rush of a hundred different emotions at once. If only they hadn't clashed with Sleater-Kinney...