From indie favourites of Montreal to the word of mouth sensations of the last 12 months, Arcade Fire's challenge now, as conga lines form outside any gig they play anywhere, is to somehow avoid being wooed by big money, corporate stadium tours and major labels. As if there was any doubt that Win Butler and co could have all this and more if they wanted, Rebellion (Lies) decidedly reaffirms their talent.
One of the highlights of the stunning Funeral, Rebellion (Lies) already sounds like a classic, a familiar piece that loses nothing with repeat listens. The lyrics play like a child's realisation that everything they've been told is wrong. As the realisation dawns, what musically starts as a bass drum thump and a bass riff under guitar atmospherics and piano chords becomes an all-out stomp. By its close, as Win Butler works himself up into his trademark lather, the song assaults the senses in that curiously Arcade Fire way. It's (WARNING: hyperbole alert) - furious, ecstatic, frustrated, yearning, beautiful and uniquely brilliant. All at once.
"People say that your dreams are the only thing that save ya," sings Win. Arcade Fire appear to be living theirs, for right now, these astonishing Canadians can do no wrong.
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