It's used to be, an artist’s personal life was separate from the music they played, but no more. Arcade Fire’s new album “Pink Elephant” is their first release since a 2022 sex scandal involving front-man Win Butler. The new album plays out as a concept album about how Butler and his wife, bandmate Regine Chassangne are dealing with the fallout.
The title of the album refers to a paradox that occurs when one tries so hard to quash a thought that it’s literally the only thing that they can think of. While the band is trying to overcome public opinion about the scandal the songs all seem to come back to the topic.
The second half of the album is full of songs about forgiveness and a return to good graces and while Butler has denied the charges against him these songs all recognize his bad behavior and apologize for it.
“Pink Elephant” is Arcade Fire’s seventh album and a fascinating examination of the problems they are going through that have so obviously not been resolved. It’s a real time relationship counseling session, not a breakup record, but one that strives to avoid what may seem like an inevitable split.