On their fifth album,
Everything Now
,
Arcade Fire
opted more for style over substance in their search for what's real in an ephemeral and oversaturated society. The production and sonic directions on the album sound great, provided by an enviable team that includes
Daft Punk
's
Thomas Bangalter
Portishead
Geoff Barrow
Pulp
Steve Mackey
, and longtime producer
Markus Dravs
. These collaborators infuse an exciting groove and danceability that the band first touched upon on
Reflektor
. On the bright title track, the dramatically funky "Signs of Life," and the glittering "Electric Blue,"
fully embraces the disco spirit. Elsewhere, the band trades the sparkle of the disco ball for visceral throb, like on the urgent "Creature Comfort," the strutting "Good God Damn," and the hypnotizing "Put Your Money on Me," which sounds like
Roeyksopp
remixing
LCD Soundsystem
.
is peppered with some interesting experiments -- like the heavy dub of "Peter Pan" and the New Orleans big-band jam of "Chemistry" -- that find
outside their comfort zone. A handful of these tracks are standouts and interesting additions to the band's catalog, and will no doubt stand the test of time. Overall, there is just enough on
to appease fans and attract newcomers with accessible singles. ~ Neil Z. Yeung