January 26, 2005
The Arcade Fire
Variety Playhouse
by Michelle Gilzenrat

"This Fire is out of Control"

I wish I could have taped the Arcade Fire show because I really need to see it again.

Like a film so rich in plots twists and complexity that you can’t see it just once, the Arcade Fire demanded a repeat viewing.

Quite simply, there was a hell of a lot going on. With seven musicians on stage and each playing musical chairs with their instruments, it was hard to know where to look or what to expect next. In one corner, two flirtatious violinists (one of which was charming opener “Final Fantasy" ) playfully kicked each other’s behinds, while in the other corner the mad percussionist of the moment was hitting every surface within a drumstick’s reach.

It was a performance of finely crafted chaos that matched the layers of depth in their music. I was skeptical that they could recreate their sonically rich tracks live, but they met the challenge with unparalleled zeal. Even while only three band members actually had microphones, everyone on stage was singing along with such conviction they might as well have been staging a protest.

The Arcade Fire sang at you as much as with you - their shouts moving the audience to avid participation.

Multi-instrumentalist Richard Perry was especially a treat to watch as he moved from stand-up bass, to accordion, to keys and probably more. Especially unique was his use of a motorcycle helmet as a percussive tool during “Neighboorhood #2…” Yeah, it sounds weird, but considering a Christmas light bedazzled “seal-dog” was vacillating behind him, the helmet didn’t feel particularly out of place.

The graceful Régine Chassagne likewise demanded attention. Her intense and sparkling charisma likely inspired a slew of girls in the audience to get their own pair of red and white striped pantyhose. Also a multi-instrumentalist, Régine tackled the drums, keys, and accordion. She even took a couple turns as lead vocalist. Her sweetly accented vocals paired with an unusual wardrobe was reminiscent of a gentler, Haitian-French, Bjork .

The finale of the program, and the apex of their audience interaction, came during the encore when the band marched through the sold out crowd. Despite scurrying about to get a better view as the band filed by, the audience maintained the steady and haunting chorus “oooh ooh ooh” of the song “Wake Up.”

I overheard an audience member comment that their parade was “like a funeral procession,” making reference to the title of their debut album. It seemed like an interesting metaphor at first, but there were far too many smiles around to be accurate.

Atlanta music fans will be pleased to note that local band Snowden got a shoutout from vocalist Win Butler when he thanked them for their hospitality during Arcade Fire’s last trip to the ATL. Way to go, guys.

www.arcadefire.com