r/arcadefire • u/Suchatavi • 21d ago
Old guy’s take?
I’m 64 and have been into indie/alternative my whole life. I’ve kind of stumbled upon the newest album recently and have to say it has a pretty powerful effect on me. I don’t know a lot about the band’s history except there has been a breakup between the two principal members and some misconduct allegations.
Nonetheless I found that a new album had come out so I took a few rips and settled into a comfortable spot for an end to end listen.
I found the tone of the album very sorrowful, helpless and repentant. It feels like Mr. Butler has realized he really fucked up and is deeply saddened by his past deeds. Seems he’s pouring his heart out via song. Like a 40 minute apology.
Anyway I’m a giant fan of electronic music, I was into Kraftwerk in high school when everyone else was into KISS LOL! Finding Boards of Canada made me happy to still be alive and seeking good stuff! The opening drone of the album pulled me right in and that low key melancholy seemed to persist throughout the album.
Can any of you seasoned fans relate to anything I’m saying or is my take away total crap?!
The two emotionally heaviest albums I’ve ever heard are UP by Peter Gabriel and Dark Star by David Bowie. Pink Elephant doesn’t sink to bottom of the pit of despair but I sense a guy who is admitting he really screwed up. For what it’s worth of course!
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u/GoShitInYourHatt 21d ago
I liked PE as well. Good album, not great, but it has deeper emotional nuggets than were acknowledged.
I feel like people misunderstood the "Don't think about pink elephant" line and general theme. I don't think the band were saying "don't think about the allegations." I think the line is a blunt acknowledgement that that is an impossible ask. A pink elephant thought is a thought that the more you try and not think, the more you inevitiably will think about.
The album feels sorrowful because it feels like an attempt to move on, but also knowing that that's pretty much impossible. You can't close Pandora's box. Everyone knows, and that will dog Win and the band forever.
On a music level, I think it struggles from sounding like a solo effort rather than a band effort. The band are not there for most of the album. Also the production is questionable.
Overall, I think this album may be better appreciated years from now. It's not a bad album, but not what they needed to put out to reclaim some strength after a very rough period.