REVIEWED BY ISABELLA REDJAI

 

Usually mistaken for authentic 1980s music, Arcade Fire, an indie rock band, definitely can be a throwback for all generations, whether for those who experienced the hectic 80s or even for us kids, who were raised with the beats. The mysterious transformation of sound, created by Arcade Fire, is full-throttle and abstract, which shows the complete genius behind it. 

 

The band's latest project, Reflektor, was released last month after much anticipation. The album is full of a myriad of intriguing sounds and beats, whether separately or, unknown-to-be-possible, together. The tension in every song, is not of anxiety, but rather the building climax of the band’s unique vibes and rhythms. "Reflektor", the song on which the album is named, is exceptional with its flowing beat and sudden high emotions that immediately sink to the moderate, down-to-earth tempo following along every lyric sung. The “groovin’”-type cadence invites you to indulge in every part of the song. "Flashbulb Eyes" is truly the song that you wish to be your “theme song” after that gnarly day surfing, that just expresses every struggle or excitement that overcame you in the ride. As echoes smother the song, it keeps the feeling on-going. Wanting to feel the struggle or sights of every word can be seen, also, in "Here Comes the Night" (as it was inspired by Arcade Fire’s experiences in Haiti when doing missionary service) by the simple beat-driven melody. The song inspired after the great heroine, Joan of Arc, truly has an empowering feeling, and the small duration of melodic French spoken lures you in. "Porno", gives you a great emotional sense of internal struggle, yet has an extra-

terrestrial feel which can be compared to the unforgettable band Human League, but in Arcade Fire’s own unique flare.

 

As I listened to every song of Reflektor, I was enticed and intrigued by the simple 60s or 80s type beats and tempos that allowed such a retro and throwback vibe to overtake. Songs like "Reflektor", "You Already Know", and "Afterlife", with the simple bass in the background and soft, overlapping vocals, as in an old group, just gave me chills and truly caused me to indulge in the mysteries of Arcade Fire.