'Difficult second albums' aren't always difficult - especially if your first offering was almost instantly declared to be one of the albums of the decade. Hype? Arcade Fire are a band who know all about hype, but are also a band who have - for the most part - lived up to it. 2005's Funeral was undoubtedly an extremely special album and surpassed practically everything else released that year in terms of musical innovation, craft and songwriting. So, then, the question on everyone's lips (apart from 'why the hideous cover art?') is will that particular weight on their collective shoulders have hindered their ability to develop as a band? Well, Neon Bible is certainly not as instantly arresting as its precursor; there are no immediate rushes of euphoria incited by these tracks - as the likes of Power Out had previously stirred - nor are there as many spine-tingling-builders in the vein of Wake Up. What there is, however, are eleven tracks that will inevitably divide fans' opinions. (Antichrist Television Blues) is reminiscent of a blue-collar-suburbian-Springsteen rock 'n' roll ballad - not exactly your average Arcade Fire song blueprint - while the excellent No Cars Go is a fast-paced, breezy number, with an almost Interpol-esque air of nihilism about it. Apart from a few other standout tracks, though (Black Mirror, the jangly Go Betweens/Housemartins indie of Keep the Car Running), there's a disappointing lack of progression on display, with most tracks failing to stray in any way from the 'quiet intro/build-to-amazing-crescendo'design that Arcade Fire have already perfected to death. Yes, Win Butler's voice is as emotive as ever, and these are undoubtedly very fine musicians, but it all seems decidedly.. well, wasteful. If you loved Funeral without reservation you'll love Neon Bible too; but for those still eager to be convinced by that hype machine, prepare to be unappeased - at least this time around.