Neon Bible takes us into the dark days of the 21st century with music and vocals reminiscent at times of bygone artists and eras (Springsteen homaged so evidentially on "(Antichrist Television Blues)", Echo and the Bunnymen and more), but all is stamped with AF's own unique madness and ambition.
From the opening chords of 'Black Mirror' the listener is unable to settle, a whirlwind of sound awaits and rushes in from different directions to keep the listener attentive. It is the type of album that grabs the listener with two hands and doesn't let go until the end of the hauntingly gorgeous echoes of 'My Body Is A Cage'. It isn't a light album, instead it is a rather deep, intense, brooding offering. My standouts include 'Black Mirror' which starts the album and sets the tone with a dark, almost sinister tone. "Mirror, Mirror; On the wall; Tell me where them bombs will fall;" But the rhythmic beat of the verse gives way to a string led rousing chorus. 'Keep The Car Running' contrasts brilliantly with the opening track, it feels like the optimism after the depression. No Cars Go is a simple, joyous song with its anthem of a chorus that leads into the darkly beautiful, My Body is a Cage which deals with themes of spiritual and emotional imprisonment, ending on the reiteration of the line "Set my spirit free!", which builds to a powerful rallying cry.
I was lucky enough to see AF three times in 2007, in a Church in Westminster before the album came out, then also at Brixton and Ally Pally - all were breaktakingly good. AF are without doubt one of the most unique and talented bunch of musicians of this century.
Album three cannot be too far away now, rumoured late spring 2010, and I for one cannot wait!
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