Do 'the next Arcade Fire' really exist?
Ever since Arcade Fire were spotted at CMJ in 2004 they have built up quite the cult fanbase. After sountracking practically every advert on the BBC and topping the NME's (unedited) albums of the year they were an overnight success. But also an act with staying power, no one can imagine Funeral becoming a one album wonder, so why is it ever since the easiest label to brand a new band is 'the next Arcade Fire'? 
Maybe music journos truly believe that 'their' band is to be the next Arcade Fire but its highly unlikely. Its just an easier way to distingush an act, so much so that bands who couldn't be further away from Arcade Fire are finding themselves in their territory simply because of a phrase.
The first band were 'Clap Your Hands Say Yeah'. A brilliant name nevertheless but alas no Arcade Fire. They released their debut album at the beginning of 2005 but didn't show one characteristic of the Canadian band. Made up of four guitars and the winging vocals of an otter they were never going to be the next Arcade Fire, in fact they were never going to be the next anything. Their music is appaulling, its surprising they even got as far as the review.
Of coures then there was Tapes'n'Tapes a band possibly twice as bland as CYHSY (if it were possible) who buzzed their way through the States but despite the hype they fell flat over here at Leeds/Reading Festival as the audience stood motionless when the band tried to make a show out of their dreery hits.
Now the phrase is out of hand, and journalists seem to think as soon as they brand a band this title it will come true, but it seems to be the opposite.
CYHSY's debut album was a quiet affair after listeners realised hearing more than one song by the band is too much to take. And as for Tapes'n'Tapes, did they even have an album out? (answer is yes)
Even I'm From Barcelona were labelled the next Arcade Fire! Theres 30 of them for Gods Sakes!
So it seems after a flux of the phrase the curse has now silenced the predictions and no one dare utter 'Arcade Fire' under their breaths (until their next album that is)
So here, I present to you a band who are in no way like the Arcade Fire. They sound different and a little Victorian yes and they definitely like crowd interaction but they are not Arcade Fire.
They are The Decemberists, here to entertain you.
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