"Hello thanking for calling Neon Bible...."
The latest release from Montreal's Arcade Fire is a visual companion to their last album Neon Bible. Miroir Noir, Neon Bible Archives pieces together short films of Vincent Moon, which were shot between 2006-2007. Those familiar with Vincent Moon's previous work, whether it be the Take-away shows from his website or short films he has done for R.E.M. and The National, will no doubt know what to expect. Dark, grainy fly on the wall scenes unfold throughout the hour and fifteen minute film, offering snapshots of the writing and recording process that took place for their second album Neon Bible, as well as down time and live performances along the way. Although the film reveals a band in the process of creation, it does not reveal all that much. Fans of the band and their music perhaps looking for the gospel as to where these songs come from or perhaps a definitive live concert film, will find no answers here. What they will find however, is a glimpse of a band behind the scenes, playing, and recording what was to become a classic modern album by one of the most driven and artistically creative bands around today. Towards the beginning of the film each band member is depicted falling under hypnosis until all members are are lying on the floor. The footage that follows for the duration of the film plays out like abstract memories, blurred and incomplete, depicting the whirlwind of activity that the band encountered and lived through at home and on the road during that 2006-2007 period, as though it is emerging from their collective subconscious. There are some great performances throughout the film, impromptu performances in elevators abound, backstage warming up, within their recording studio and of course on various stages doing what the do best, collectively blowing the minds of their fans through performance. One of the best parts of the film are voice messages left for the band through a 1-800 number used during the promotion for the Neon Bible album. Fans praise the band. Non-fans leave harsh messages and of course the lost souls... are just looking for answers.
This is the first DVD released by the band and therefore a must have for fans. The film is available as a download in various formats from the Mirioir Noir Website. This means you can immediately watch it on your computer while you wait for the actual copy to be shipped to your address. Downloading the double DVD limited edition with accordion packaging means you'll have to wait to watch that second disc of live performances until it arrives in the mail. Not a bad compromise for those who are torn between download purchases and owning the real deal.
