It's been quite a summer
From the minute a series of low key shows in London church halls at the start of 2007 sold out in seconds, it was clear Arcade Fire were to be one of the bands to watch when the festival season arrived. It's been quite a summer for them, first the Glastonbury mud, then a majestic headline performance at Latitude where the dreamy side of their music was right at home. The final summer appointment in the UK was on the main Stage at Leeds, and they came to rock out!
Opening with one of the best singles of the year 'Keep The Car Running', the massive crowd were treated to a well-balanced selection of tracks from both albums. Part of the size of the audience might have been due to people wanting a good spot for the Chili Peppers, but where as the bill toppers turned in a set that disappointed plenty, Arcade Fire succeeded in wowing the hard-core, while ensuring that those who weren't so familiar with their work would find enough to make them have a good time too.
Set highlights were 'Black Wave' and the mighty Echo and the Bunnymen-like 'Intervention', but it was always going to be the big hitters from debut album 'Funeral' that shon above the rest. First 'Rebellion' and then 'Wake Up' brought the show, and Arcade Fire's summer in the UK to a triumphant climax.
The Arcade Fire fan base, and there's a lot of it, would have loved every second of this. However at over an hour, if you weren't into Arcade Fire or simply a casual observer it's possible you could have found your attention wander between the stand out moments.