Album Review: Arcade Fire – Reflektor

Let me first say that Reflektor is incredibly expansive and far too intricate to dissect after a sole listen (the album was previewed via a single playback), and initially that expansiveness is also the records biggest atrophy. It consequently overshoots perfection to the point of hedonistic indulgence, resulting in a record that is more frustrating than mind-blowing. That being said, I left the album playback eager to give the record another listen and begin to digest the multi-faceted approach that only touched the surface during that first 85 minute experience (and listening to Reflektor is definitely an experience). So when the album arrived in its physical and self-playable format, it was time for Reflektor: Round 2.

Is Reflektor a better album after that first listen? Well, I guess so… While the same factors that attributed to my initial aggravation are still present, an audible hindsight escalates those soaring moments and creates a compelling genre-crossing maturity. But then again, that just might have something to do with the follow-up ability to seamlessly skip songs the second after their climax/the moment before its drawn-out spiral.

I remember my initial notes reading ‘I can’t wait to hear that song again’ after two of the arguably standout tracks. On ‘We Exist’, the pairing of Butler and Chassagne’s vocals alleviates James Murphy’s production and masterfully treads the line between dark disco and distorted indie. Then, on ‘Here Comes the Night Time’, the Haiti influence is announced with experimental percussion before guitar freak-outs chop and change the tempo, culminating in typically Arcade Fire title chants.

And while these moments are present (and frequent), it is just so often that an overplaying – both in length and soundscapes – drags the album to a crashing plummet moments after you were left captivated. This really is an album of two – two discs, two voices (and Bowie of course), tracks twice as long as they probably should be and two very different yet combined sounds. But by the time these offerings have you hooked; they are often elongated and so asphyxiated with sonic elements that you revert to disappointment. It’s a genuine shame the Reflektor didn’t achieve the sublimity that it was so close to reaching. I mean, you can’t help but merit the concept and attempt to push audible boundaries by a band that were so close to succeeding.

– James Embiricos