DAILY RECORD: Arcade Fire, Sleigh Bells

by | Aug 4, 2010 | MUSIC

The Arcade Fire
The Suburbs
The Suburbs is an absolutely wonderful counterpart to the Arcade Fire’s past two releases. The wait from Neon Bible has only allowed the band to come off as even more tried and true to their methods. While The Suburbs exists primarily in a sound that doesn’t feel too unexpected from the group, the record finds itself taking departures from track to track that make the listening experience exciting. From a storytelling standpoint, the tales that unfold feel like a return to the homes and characters that existed in Funeral. Yet, the narration is bound with a sense of weary eyes and hopeless romanticism that is inescapable. Coming from someone that initially listened to Funeral and found it to be overrated only to fall in love with it later, I truly find The Suburbs to be a phenomenal release that is worth a listen.


Sleigh Bells
Treats
There was so much hype surrounding Sleigh Bells that I didn’t want to buy it. Sometimes you just can’t deny a record like Treats that is an absolute joy. Hopefully a release like this ends up being the dance soundtrack of the summer. The similarities to MIA are inescapable, but I don’t find anything wrong with that. I dig the noisy dance beats that are flooded with distorted guitar riffs. As soon as the synthesized layers start building up and Alexis Krauss’ vocals are introduced, the songs delivery epically. Just listen to “Crown on the Ground” and try not to have a blast. I dare ya!

Both reviews by Shannon Cleary

The Arcade Fire
The Suburbs
The Suburbs is an absolutely wonderful counterpart to the Arcade Fire’s past two releases. The wait from Neon Bible has only allowed the band to come off as even more tried and true to their methods. While The Suburbs exists primarily in a sound that doesn’t feel too unexpected from the group, the record finds itself taking departures from track to track that make the listening experience exciting. From a storytelling standpoint, the tales that unfold feel like a return to the homes and characters that existed in Funeral. Yet, the narration is bound with a sense of weary eyes and hopeless romanticism that is inescapable. Coming from someone that initially listened to Funeral and found it to be overrated only to fall in love with it later, I truly find The Suburbs to be a phenomenal release that is worth a listen.


Sleigh Bells
Treats
There was so much hype surrounding Sleigh Bells that I didn’t want to buy it. Sometimes you just can’t deny a record like Treats that is an absolute joy. Hopefully a release like this ends up being the dance soundtrack of the summer. The similarities to MIA are inescapable, but I don’t find anything wrong with that. I dig the noisy dance beats that are flooded with distorted guitar riffs. As soon as the synthesized layers start building up and Alexis Krauss’ vocals are introduced, the songs delivery epically. Just listen to “Crown on the Ground” and try not to have a blast. I dare ya!

Both reviews by Shannon Cleary

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




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