Here's my review:

Arcade Fire's 4th full length album is proudly presented as a double record, but I'm not convinced this is a good thing. With 75 minutes to fill, it seems Win Butler runs out of stories to tell and questions to ask.

Let's pretend the 10 minute long opener 'Hidden Track' doesn't exist for the sake of getting off a right start. If we consider the single 'Reflektor' as our proper kick-off a very strong set of 5 songs open up the album, each filled with plenty of little details to hear and discover while the band explores several different musical styles. Switching from quirky to powerful on the fly, each piece stands firmly on it's own. 'Normal Person' will rock your socks off, and these songs are full band efforts where the fun they have playing shines through.

After those 5 tracks however, it becomes evident that frontman Win Butler took on more than he can chew. Songs 'You Already Know' and 'Joan of Arc' close off disc one, but both tracks follow structures heard before and are lyrically dull. By this time you start to notice Win is using the words "know" and "go" way too generously. The chorusses become very simple and almost come off as lazy or even a little childish. Even when singer Regine brings some diversity, it's too little too late.

Disc two works well as being different. A slower pace and subtle melodies create a more atmospheric vibe and producer James Murphy influence brings a very pleasant funkiness in the mix. Soon enough however the lack of lyrical creativity comes back as a nuisance and we're back to hearing know and go a lot. Luckily female singer Regine brings a little fresh air to the party on the excellent 'It's Never Over'. The following track 'Porno' on the other hand sounds like the band had a brainstorm session how many words they can think of that end with 'o'. I hate to bring this up so often, but from a band who's lyrics have always been mystical, questioning, compelling or downright gospel this is a disappointment.

Closing tracks 'Afterlife' and 'Supersymmetry' bring back some well needed mysticism and close the album with dignity and afterthought (or at least musically).

Reflektor has plenty of strong moments and well-crafted songs in it's repertoire, but Win Butler's ambition has worked against him this time. About a third of the songs don't feel like a full-band effort and therefor miss the band's fury and diversity. Combined with uninspired chorusses those lesser tracks stand in the way of something awesome, and Reflektor never reaches it's full potential.

I wish the band had applied a "less is more"-rule, and cut out the missable Hidden Track, You Already Know, Joan Of Arc, Awful Sound and Porno. Those are exactly the tracks now switched off in my iTunes.

Enjoy!