(This review, in a slightly less edited form, appears on The Bowery Presents The House List)
Both physically and symbolically, Madison Square Garden represents the center of entertainment in New York City. Elongated posters of iconic images remind visitors of the venue’s historic past in sports, music, and, yes, the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. By the sheer force of its name, Madison Square Garden sanctifies all events it houses. So, when Arcade Fire booked not one but two headlining dates this August, expectations regarding their performance abounded.
The Canadian-based indie rock band is responsible for two transcendent records, Funeral and Neon Bible, and recently released their third album, The Suburbs. While this is a relatively small discography for a band scheduled to sell out “The World’s Most Famous Arena,” songs such as “Wake Up” have permeated the mainstream. Many may know them as the band whose song is featured in Super Bowl commericals or the trailer for Where The Wild Things Are, but this is hopefully the beginning of a growing legacy. On Thursday night, against any and all doubts, Arcade Fire delivered an unforgettable performance, driving toward rock immortality.
Supported by openers Owen Pallet and rock veterans Spoon, the group filled the venue with their triumphant songs, boundless energy, and wholly transfixed fans. All nine members of the touring band dressed like an advertisement for individuality. In addition to frontman Win Butler’s internet-fawned-over haircut, Regine Chassagne wore a sequined dress and Richard Reed Parry dawned a floral jumpsuit. Their appearance as well as Terry Giliam’s simultaneous live webcast acted as a show within a show. This, however, was secondary to the band’s colossal renditions of anthems “Rebellion (Lies),” “Keep The Car Running,” and “Intervention.” There was an urgency and awareness to their performance, which reflected in the joyful expressions and exuberance of the crowd. At the end of their encore, which featured “Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)” and new song “Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains),” it felt as if MSG wasn’t big enough for Arcade Fire.
Leave a comment