Arcade Fire Live Review

The Canadians dazzle on their last UK date at Alexandra Palace

Next time you see us well have beards down to our f**king toenails, says Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler at the end of last nights gig in London.

Its no secret that hes fed up with touring though it really doesnt show in the ten-pieces stunning performance.

Win and his beguiling wife Regine- in pink gloves- lead the multi-instrumentalists throughout the organised chaos and songs from their two albums.

Though the audience know more of Funeral they open with Black Mirrors and Keep The Cars Running from more recent LP Neon Bible.

Soon after they launch into what is arguably their best song- No Cars Go. Most bands would extend the track into a 20 minute symphony (its that good) but while the Canadians are grandiose and orchestral theyre never self-indugent.

Another highlight Antichrist Television Blues opens with a crazed preacher taking over the many screens in the venue. The visuals and lights always matching the mood perfectly without detracting from the band.

With the bible motif, a red backdrop and the crowds hands in the air, the scene sometimes resembles Nuremburg.

The usual Arcade Fire encore- Intervention into Wake Up tops the show off for the adoring thousands.

We didnt want to get a divorce so we started a band, jokes Win between songs. Thank god the couple decided against counselling.

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