Arcade Fire releases ‘The Reflektor Tapes’ [Review]

On Jan. 27, Arcade Fire and Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Reflektor Tapes. This two-disc set contains a documentary and full live concert.

 

On Jan. 27, Arcade Fire and Eagle Rock Entertainment will release The Reflektor Tapes. This two-disc set contains a documentary directed by Kahlil Joseph, which follows the making of Arcade Fire’s studio album Reflektor. Additionally, this set includes a full live performance by the band at Earl’s Court in London. Both of these features are engaging and executed with flair, consistent with any Arcade Fire experience.

 

 

The Reflektor Tapes being with a long and abstract introduction. A unique tone is set from the start – audiences know this will not be a typical "behind the scenes" documentary. Full of unexpected scene changes, impactful imagery and disembodied quotes, this is a solid piece of art from the get go.

A timeline begins to emerge through simple captions stating only a place and date. It is extremely rare that viewers actually see the band seated and speaking. On the contrary, nearly all of the footage is of the band’s surroundings or of them actively at work. Shot like an extended and slightly trippy music video, the intimacy of it sneaks up on the audience. There are no tell-all speaking into the camera moments here. However, carefully chosen quotes from group members prove to shed light onto their inner workings.

This documentary does an excellent job of showcasing the diversity of influences and instrumentation that Arcade Fire explores. A significant portion of the film digs into their time working in Jamaica – demonstrating how much the population impacted their process while there. Their endeavors come across as humble and respectful.

The Reflektor Tapes feel more like a musical quote book or diary than a documentary. Full of powerful imagery and fascinating compositions, it is truly effective. Despite some pageantry and quirkiness, Arcade Fire feels more human than ever in the end. By the time viewers move on to see the live performance portion of this set, they will view the group in a whole new light.

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