Funeral Review: Grief Turned Into Joyous Noise
9/10 — Arcade Fire - Funeral (2004)
Pros
- Euphoric, cathartic songs
- Rich instrumentation
- Passionate vocals
Cons
- Overwrought at times
- Some similar-sounding songs
Written after several family bereavements in the band, Funeral was the Montreal group’s debut and became a landmark of 2000s indie rock. Its sound mixes strings, accordion and driving guitars.
What works
The ‘Neighborhood’ songs and ‘Wake Up’ are euphoric and cathartic, and ‘Crown of Love’ and ‘Rebellion (Lies)’ are thrilling. Win Butler and Régine Chassagne’s vocals are passionate, and the big, shouty singalongs stir the blood.
Where it falters
The theatrical intensity can feel overwrought, and some songs sound alike.
Verdict
A cathartic, anthemic debut.
