Concert Review: Arcade Fire - Variety Playhouse (ATL)

Arcade Fire is a live band.
After seeing them last night at the Variety Playhouse, their latest album Funeral doesn’t do them justice.Not only does the studio recordings not capture the raw immediacy of the band’s live interpretations of their latest batch of songs, but there is a visual aspect of seeing the seven touring members of the band throw themselves (sometimes literally) into their music.
Attired in suits and dresses, Arcade Fire brought drama, passion and sweat to the crowd. It’s amazing to realize what a huge barrier is created by the edge of a performance stage and the presence of a skinny microphone stand. Only when you see performers singing backup vocals without mics, playing percussion on any surface they can find, and eventually taking the song out into the audience for their finale do you realize what live can really be.