Concert Review: Arcade Fire - (Randall’s Island 10/6)
Arcade Fire front man Win Butler described the music and overall scene on Randall’s Island on October 6 as his “dream come true”. His eight-piece, critically acclaimed headlined the day with a 80-minute set to close out “Arcade Fest 2007″.
The band admitted they were pressed for time - citing a 11pm curfew. Yet, the band still had a little over a hour and 40 minutes to exhibit that musical power and energy that their live shows are so known to feature. Yet, at night’s end, I walked away feeling a bit underwhelmed.
I cite the size of the venue. It just doesn’t complement well with the sound of the band. It restricted the fullness of the sound and interactions with the crowd. Furthermore, at times, it felt as if some of the performed songs were just overshadowed by the vastness of the venue.
Arcade Fire put on an enjoyable show. But, it wasn’t the life-changing experience that I have heard others describe it as. Well, that is, until the end. The whole “Kiss Off” performance was pretty fantastic. Regardless, it felt like LCD Soundsystem stole the night. And the next time I see AF, it must be in a much smaller venue.
Set List:
1. Black Mirror
2. Keep the car running
3. Neighborhood #2 (Laika)
4. No Cars Go
5. Haiti
6. I’m Sleeping in a Submarine
7. My Body is a Cage
8. Cold Wind
9. Intervention
10. Antichrist Television Blues
11. The Well and the Lighthouse
12. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels)
13. Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)
14. Rebellion (Lies)
Encore:
15. Headlights Look like Diamonds
16. Wake Up
Report Card:
The Setlist: B
The Crowd: B+
The Vocals: B
Instrumentation: A-
Overall: B
Dec 15th, 2007 at 2:58 pm
[...] my opinions toward them had waned. For some reason, maybe because of the magazine articles or the letdown of a live show, my feelings toward them soured and I sensed Win Butler was becoming egotistic and not at all [...]