Friday June 1, 2007 SGN.org |
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Volume 35 Issue 22 |
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Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008
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Arcade Fire 'bible'-thump their way to exalting, first rate performance |
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| Arcade Fire 'bible'-thump their way to exalting, first rate performance | ||
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By: Albert Rodriguez -
SGN A & E Writer Arcade Fire May 27 @ Arlene Schnitzer Hall (Portland, OR) I've been baptized into the fellowship of Arcade Fire. And I'm a new man as a result of it. The twice-Grammy nominated ensemble gave an exuberant two-hour performance Sunday night at Portland's Arlene Schnitzer Hall, in what rightly can be called an experience. The crowd, who purchased all tickets for the concert back in November of last year, left the theater sweaty, exalted, and personally touched by these gifted musical angels. Much like a big tent revival, followers of the unique Montreal-based group arrived to be healed - not from sin, but perhaps from crappy pop music saturating today's radio stations and from the excessive bullshit infesting our current political, cultural, and social climates. Specifically, Arcade Fire has taken aim on religious extremism on its latest album, Neon Bible. Which is why, quite appropriately, the show began with video footage of a radical, Southern female preacher rousing her congregation during a church service. Minutes later, the multi-member band entered the stage and opened with a superb rendition of "Keep the Car Running". From the get-go, the audience clapped and swayed enthusiastically in front of their seats. Some snuck into the orchestra pit just below the stage, on advice from lead singer Win Butler. Though, security forced many to return to their assigned seating. Using a variety of instruments, including French horns, accordions, violins, tambourines and a chapel-size pipe organ, Arcade Fire sounded heavenly on "Ocean of Noise", a slower acoustic-like track on the Bible recording. It was mellow and oh-so-sweet. But there were few hushed moments Sunday night, as most of Arcade Fire's material is upbeat - combining folk, rock, bluegrass, pop, and a spritz of bossa nova into their eclectic stew. As I described it to the cabbie on the way to the concert, Arcade Fire is a theatrical pop, gypsy-folk, procession-rock, organically-uplifting ensemble that switch instruments routinely during live performances. "Intervention" was divine, as was "Black Mirror", showcasing Arcade Fire as a pitch-perfect harmonious bunch aside from the fact that each group member is a better-than-worthy musician. I loved the grandiose effect of "Intervention" in an intimate venue - it soared and soared and soared to greater heights. I felt privileged to hear it under a cathedral-high ceiling with 2000 in attendance, unlike the masses at Sasquatch Festival who listened to it outdoors the night before. "The Well and the Lighthouse" and "No Cars Go", also from the new album, were a pair of standouts at Schnitzer Hall, which bears a striking resemblance to Seattle's Paramount Theatre. "Wake Up", from Arcade Fire's debut Funeral, was delivered beautifully as well. Hands clapped everywhere during "Antichrist Television Blues", a country-fried tune that confronts TV evangelists with lyrics such as, "Lord, won't you send me a sign? / cause' I gotta know if I'm wasting my time". The night's most anticipated number, "Rebellion (Lies)", closed out the main set. Near the front of the venue, perspiring concertgoers jumped elatedly as Butler made a brief visit to the orchestra pit and then hopped back on stage. It really did feel like a church convention of sorts, especially with the help of those on the mezzanine level bouncing excitedly and singing along loudly. Arcade Fire departed the stage one by one, humming the song's final bar. Goose bumps were made for moments like this. A two-piece encore wrapped up a brilliant night of music, including a gorgeous version of "My Body is a Cage". Butler belted out the lyrics, as the band climaxed to a spiritual and powerful finish. If ever given the opportunity to see and hear Arcade Fire perform live, take it. You may never be the same again. This coming from a newly, self-appointed disciple. |
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copyright Seattle Gay News - DigitalTeamWorks 2007