6/10

Between the releases of their third album 'The Suburbs' and fourth 'Reflektor', something changed within the dynamic of Arcade Fire. Rather than continue with their bold, folk-inspired sound, the band opted for a more dancefloor-ready direction, jarring some of their fans in the process. And now after a four-year break, the band return with their latest offering 'Everything Now', a record that continues that previous intention.

While the main striking difference between this and 'Reflektor' seems to be less of a direct disco influence, they are still working in the mindset of making sure the listener taps their toes at the very least. There isn't much in the way of long, drawn-out soundscapes and mostly likes to stick within the realm of funk and retro influences. This gives it a more enjoyable vibe than 'Reflektor' but still seems to have more filler than we would have expected from an Arcade Fire record.

There are obviously the big standout singles, like 'Everything Now' and 'Signs Of Life', but the record as a whole still sounds like they are readjusting themselves to these new ambitions. Fun and engaging, yes, but a far cry from their heyday.