The band marked their return with a political song on Colbert's Election Night 2020 Special on SHOWTIME. Here's the lowdown on the new song and upcoming album.
Arcade Fire returned on Tuesday (3rd November) with a performance of 'Generation A' on a special American election-themed show by Stephen Colbert. Colbert, who hosts his own daily CBS talk show, described the new song as "inspired by the current climate of the country, with a hopeful message to the youths".
It's the first new material from the Canadian band since 2017's divisive Everything Now and it's very much a return to form. Within the new song you'll find a punchy chorus ("I can't wait/ too little, too late!") and lyrics commentating on the state of America in 2020 ("this is ain't summer of love / racist running, cities burning"). Its a sing-along indie banger performed with passion and a touch of Arcade Fire madness we've become accustomed to.
Win Butler revealed on the Broken Record podcast with Rick Rubin (21st October 2020), that the band were writing new music prior to the coronavirus pandemic, but the distance between band members had halted recording. During lockdown, Butler admitted he'd written "two or three" new albums and the band were soon returning to Texas to make the next record.
When prompted on the direction the band were taking with the new record, "I think you'll be surprised" were the words the Arcade Fire frontman used to describe the new sound. It leaves us wondering if they'll stick with the the dance-rock theme of Everything Now, return to the baroque art-rock of Funeral or perhaps give us something different altogether.
It's unclear whether 'Generation A' is a standalone single or the first single from a new album. Either way, it's great to have them back.