The Arcade Fire are back! There were what seemed like unsubstantiated rumors that the band would be dropping a new song today; lo and behold they have been proven correct as the Canadian indie stars have released a new song “I Give You Power.” Not only is it their first song in four years, but it features soul legend Mavis Staples as a guest vocalist.
The song opens with funky synth burbling, transitioning into a sinister, shuffling electronic beat topped by lead singer Win Butler’s unmistakable vocals. Adopting a bit of a falsetto, he falls into a call and response with Staples, along with the lyrics – “I give you power / But I can take it away” – it makes for a powerfully stirring effect. Stylistically, the song blurs the line between 80s style synth-pop, classic soul and Arcade Fire’s idiosyncratic style of rock ‘n roll.
With a controversial figure set to become the most powerful man in the world in just a few days, the lyrics of “I Give You Power” serve as stern warning as well as a reminder to the people of the collective power they hold. As Staples sings towards the song’s conclusion “Where do you think it all comes from?”
Despite having not released new music in several years, Arcade Fire has maintained a relatively high profile. The band have announced several tour dates around a handful of major music festivals, including Primavera Sound, Roskilde Festival, Rock Wercheter and Les Eurokeenes.
Arcade Fire Summer 2017 Tour:
Jun 03 Primavera Sound Barcelona, Spain
Jun 10 Isle of Wight Festival Newport, United Kingdom
Jun 17 Best Kept Secret Festival Hilvarenbeek, Netherlands
Jun 19 INmusic Festival Zagreb, Croatia
Jun 24 Roskilde Festival Roskilde, Denmark
Jun 29 Rock Werchter Werchter, Belgium
Jul 09 Eurockéennes Festival Belfort, France
Jul 11 Ahoi! The Full Hit of Summer Linz, Austria
Jul 15 Vieilles Charrues Carhaix-Plouguer, France
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