Arcade Fire returns with another compelling promo single, “Signs of Life,” ahead of its highly-anticipated fifth studio album, Everything Now.

They’re back again! Who? Arcade Fire! After releasing two promo singles in preparation for Everything Now (“Everything Now” and “Creature Comfort”), the alternative collective returns with a third single, “Signs of Life.” One thing’s for sure – there are definitely overt signs of life! Arcade Fire have had a great promo campaign in support of Everything Now.

“Signs of Life” is as groovy as the two preceding singles from Everything Now.  Though they never had any trouble finding the beat, Arcade Fire have really placed it as a priority on their fifth studio album.  In addition to the groove, the production is top-notch – bass, strings, horns, etc.  Again, this is dance-rock with many cues hailing from the 70s disco. This won’t faze some fans of the band.  Others, however, may long for a return to the days of Funeral, Neon Bible, or The Suburbs.  It’s a matter of preference though – Win Butler and company do dance rock well.

Given the groovy vibes of “Signs of Life,” it’s a fun record – to an extent.  Lyrically, Butler and company encompasses pleasure and excess.  On the first verse, Butler sings:

“Spend your life waiting in line / You find it hard to define / But you do it every time / Then you do it again.”

This is fun because it suggests living it up – partying.  But reexamine it and proceed further, and it seems the finger is being pointed about wasting precious times with temporary pleasures.

“Looking for signs of life / Looking for signs every night / But there’s no signs of life / So we do it again.”

Win Butler is 37 years old and has been married to wife and fellow band member Régine Chassagne for 14 years.  Obviously, his views are more mature given his status in life.  While the youth who live as Arcade Fire suggests may take offense, doesn’t the band have a point?  The second verse uses repetition, hence, supporting the notion of a vicious circle of being directionless.

“Those cool kids / Stuck in the past / Apartments of cigarette ash / ‘Where are we going?’ / Who did you ask? / Those cool kids / Stuck in the past / Apartments of cigarette ash / ‘Where are we going?’ / Who did you ask? / Who did you ask?”

Final Thoughts

Once more, Arcade Fire strikes gold with “Signs of Life.” In reiteration, some purist fans may cry foul here thanks to the overt dance cues.  Still, if you’re open-minded and don’t mind dance rock with some thoughtful lyrics, “Signs of Life” is another winner too “irresistibly delicious” not to spin over and over.

Arcade Fire • Everything Now • Atlantic • Release: 7.28.17

Photo Credit: Atlantic