The gilded walls of London’s Hackney Empire played host to an Arcade Fire at their sensational, barn-storming best at a special one-off gig on Wednesday.
The Canadian eight-piece, marking a long-awaited return to the UK, have spent the last year hidden away in the recording studio.
Any suggestion their renowned live performances had lost their edge was instantly laid to rest at London’s famous East End theatre.
The band oozed confidence as they tried out new material from Surburbs, the new album due for release next month.
However it was the fan favourite from the back catalogue that really got the audience jumping. ‘Ready to Start’ was among the stand-out tracks from the new material.
A fast-paced, bass-driven opener, it showcased sparser sound than on previous records, but still distinctively Arcade Fire.
‘We Used To Wait’ also sounds like a single - all staccato piano and the trademark urgency of Win Butler’s vocals. Read more…