Arcade Fire – Pink Elephant
Canadian rock group Arcade Fire are beloved by fans and critics alike. With each of their six albums receiving nominations for the highly coveted Best Alternative Music Album title at the Grammys, the quintet’s unique artistry and prolific success have been nearly impossible to ignore since their humble start at the turn of the century. Their latest record, Pink Elephant, will surely be no different.
The story begins with the ominous frequency sounds of Open Your Heart or Die Trying. Although void of lyrics, the electronic echoes are all-consuming and transport listeners into the brand-new world Arcade Fire has created. The title track expands upon this haunting tone, but quickly transitions into the quintessential Arcade Fire guitar-and-bass blend courtesy of Win Butler, Richard Reed Parry and Dan Boeckner. Although already released as a single alongside Year of the Snake, it holds a new weight as the opening chapter. Pink Elephant explores impending anxieties that cannot be avoided, and the constant guitar riff and steady beat of Jeremy Gara’s drums mimic careful tiptoeing, almost as though the band is trying their hardest to avoid confronting the source of their distress.
Arcade Fire is a group made of multi-instrumentalists – Régine Chassagne and Butler trade in their primary instruments, the keyboard and guitar, respectively, for the bass and drums in Year of the Snake. The song dives into excited, hopeful change, and this literal shift in lineup reflects that – it feels as though the joy of beginning a new adventure is experienced both sonically and lyrically. Arcade Fire are known and loved for their experimentation, and hints of change are woven throughout Pink Elephant. Circle of Trust remains mostly true to expected Arcade Fire production, but Alien Nation stands out as a perfect example of how avant-garde they can be. The track mixes traditional rock instrumentation with electronic elements, and although the divide between archetypal rock and futuristic sounds may seem jarring, especially toward the end, Arcade Fire balances the two contrasting approaches wonderfully. Beyond Salvation assists in reorienting listeners on this sonic journey, returning to the meditative, fully instrumental ambience as heard in Open Your Heart or Die Trying, allowing the delicate notes of Ride or Die to shine without being clouded by the extremity of Alien Nation.
I Love Her Shadow showcases Chassagne’s bright keyboard mastery, and her dreamy vocals blend with Butler’s emotionally raw delivery. The duet highlights their musical chemistry beautifully. Although the record thus far has traversed various themes of uncertain discovery, I Love Her Shadow marks a moment of realisation and confidence. This is particularly evident as another ambient track, She Cries Diamond Rain, follows, but is more uplifting compared to the eerie beginnings of Pink Elephant.
Stuck In My Head completes the album – here, anxieties are recognised and attacked with strength. The song serves as a cathartic resolution to this emotional voyage. Pink Elephant simmers down from its explosive peak with more atmospheric sounds, almost compelling listeners to re-experience it from the beginning.
Overall, in roughly 40 minutes, Arcade Fire tells a liberating tale of confronting an internal battle. Whether that battle has been entirely won is left open to interpretation, but the consistent mix of instrumental and lyrically intense moments leads to a sense of peaceful resolution, making for an excellent seventh addition to the band’s acclaimed discography
Taryn Crowley
Image: Danny Clinch
Pink Elephant is released on 7th May 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Arcade Fire’s website here.
Watch the video for the single Year of the Snake here:
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