Arcade Fire - Main stage
An arsenal of instruments and the stone-faced expression of Régine Chassagne signaled the arrival of Arcade Fire onto the Main Stage on Saturday.
Following Bloc Party and as a prelude to the Chilis, Arcade Fire seemed to be in an unusual position on the bill. But as they kicked off with UK single Keep the Car Running from their 2007 album Neon Bible, the roar of the crowd proved the band really deserved this slot.
With startling musical ambidextrousness, the musical army showcased their vast musical skill as they slid piano, violin, cello, double bass, xylophone, keyboard, harp and mandolin – to name a few of the tools easily at their disposal – through every track.
Best of all, the sultry expression of Régine and the concentration on the faces of the violinists conveyed a band truly dedicated and deeply in love with making music.
Régine managed to switch between keyboard, bells and xylophone in one song before returning to her accordion, while the drummers raced up and down the stage to convey the magnetic connection between every member of the band from Oregon.
As Win Butler punched out the dark lyrics of Black Mirror the crowd was whipped up into a frenetic hive of excitement while the band slid seamlessly between each track. Foot stomping heralded the beginning of Rebellion before the band rose to an impressive crescendo with Wake Up.
Clarinets, violins and an accordion oozing cool, this was easily the best and most impressive performance of Saturday.
Claire Carter
Following Bloc Party and as a prelude to the Chilis, Arcade Fire seemed to be in an unusual position on the bill. But as they kicked off with UK single Keep the Car Running from their 2007 album Neon Bible, the roar of the crowd proved the band really deserved this slot.
With startling musical ambidextrousness, the musical army showcased their vast musical skill as they slid piano, violin, cello, double bass, xylophone, keyboard, harp and mandolin – to name a few of the tools easily at their disposal – through every track.
Best of all, the sultry expression of Régine and the concentration on the faces of the violinists conveyed a band truly dedicated and deeply in love with making music.
Régine managed to switch between keyboard, bells and xylophone in one song before returning to her accordion, while the drummers raced up and down the stage to convey the magnetic connection between every member of the band from Oregon.
As Win Butler punched out the dark lyrics of Black Mirror the crowd was whipped up into a frenetic hive of excitement while the band slid seamlessly between each track. Foot stomping heralded the beginning of Rebellion before the band rose to an impressive crescendo with Wake Up.
Clarinets, violins and an accordion oozing cool, this was easily the best and most impressive performance of Saturday.
Claire Carter
