Truly Great Art should not only elevate us, but also say something about the time in which it was made. In that respect, the output of one of the most important indie bands of this century, Arcade Fire, fell somewhat short of their ambitions. Because how heaven-storming the music on , or thematically, Canadians usually stayed close to home. A series of funerals within the family, a religious
… upbringing, growing up in a suburb… On album number five, however, the band captures the prevailing consumerism - we want it all, now! - and the ubiquitous social media by the horns. 'Infinite content, we're infinitely content' accurately summarizes the uncomfortable message. Musically, this album, influenced by reggae (Peter Pan, Chemistry), funk (Signs Of Life) and disco (Electric Blue, the great title track), is the most easily digestible of Arcade Fire. And the worst received. But put Everything Now with Dave Eggers' novel The Circle (2013) in a time capsule, and a striking time picture emerges for future Earthlings. They will likely recognize it as a masterpiece. (RME)more
