Friday 09/03/07 Arcade Fire @ The Apollo, Manchester

This writer has a confession to make - I don’t love Arcade Fire. A seemingly lone voice in a sea of unadulterated love and hyperbole, yes. I own both their albums and love their good songs but find seventy percent of their material hard to endear to. It’s frustrating, as I know there must be something very special about them. Still, open minded, I’ve never seen them live before and have heard it’s an experience one will never forget.

Excitement then is at an optimum upon arrival at the Apollo and Patrick Wolf's support set only heightens the feeling. Unique, flamboyant and utterly engaging, Wolf takes to the stage clad in hiking socks, shorts and a pair of platform shoes- he cuts a striking figure to say the least. Bursting through a set that included ‘Bluebells’, ‘The Libertine’ and fantastic album title track ‘The Magic Position’, Wolf shows what a fantastic talent and brilliant live performer he is.

The stage is now set for Arcade Fire. Neon microphone stands and a neon bible backdrop is a very direct reference to the band’s new album. If you didn’t know they had a new album out the band are keen to remind you, the first eight songs of tonight’s show are from ‘Neon Bible’. Songs such as ‘Black Mirror’, ‘Ocean Of Noise’ and ‘No Cars Go’ all enrapture the audience and new single ‘Keep The Car Running’ sounds as big and beautiful as the bands older more established tracks. A classic in waiting.  That said, something seems missing - perhaps dividing the new songs up with songs from ‘Funeral’ would have ensured that the set flowed at a more enjoyable pace.