8/10

Over the last decade, Arcade Fire found themselves in a state of flux that divided their devout fanbase. After an incredible run of form that included their first three studio albums 'Funeral', 'Neon Bible', and 'The Suburbs', with the latter landing them Album Of The Year at the Grammys that year, they took a strange detour down a more disco-inspired route. The resulting 'Reflektor' and 'Everything Now' LPs just didn't have the same energy as before and many began to write them off entirely. But now it seems like they are getting back to basics with their sixth full-length 'WE', a record that looks to revive their formative selves.

From the very start, it is clear that they are looking to return to their infant sound. With its broad and atmospheric texture and progressive showmanship throughout, 'WE' stands as a strong and powerful return to their glory days, opting for warmer and more sparkling endeavours that only seldom see the synthesiser reemerging. Instead of trying to make a bouncing and upbeat array of lighthearted ditties, they have rediscovered their absorbing and alluring roots, delivering a record that not only stands up against their previous catalogue, but also sees them moving forward within their musical evolution.

For those that still fondly remember those early days of Arcade Fire, 'WE' is just want they have been waiting for. It tries to irradiate the last ten years of glossy material and gives another strong dose of rich and vivid compositions, all wrapped up within their fresh and distinctive direction.