Lyrics are definitely the top priority for Canadian indie-rockers Arcade Fire. On their sophomore album Neon Bible, the septet offer a running commentary on contemporary issues, such as religion, politics and 9/11. However, the near-poetry of some songs comes at the cost of rhythm and melody.
In several numbers, there don't seem to be enough notes to fit the words in.
And several tracks, especially the opening two, Black Mirror and Keep the Car Running, are melodically bland and repetitive, featuring simplistic, recurring runs of just a few notes.
But, if they give it a chance, even the most pop-loving listeners will find themselves singing along.
There's a satisfyingly quirky mix of styles, from the church organ beginning of Intervention and the 80s New Romantics vocals and electronica of Black Wave/Bad Vibrations to the rock chords and anger of Windowsill.
The best songs are Ocean of Noise, featuring gloriously rich Chris Isaak-like vocals and guitar riffs, and No Cars Go, a fun pop-rock number with plenty of toe-tapping, air-guitar-playing potential.
The album offers everyone, no matter their usual tastes, something to enjoy.