With 15 cast members in rotation and at least as many instruments in their hands, Funeral is expansive, refined, poignant, and astonishing. Their epic story of decline and renewal unfolds in various stages -- or "neighborhoods" -- from the Mission of Burma-esque trilling in "Neighborhood #2 (Laika)" and Butler's warblings on "Neighborhood #3 (Power Out)," to the contemplative "Neighborhood #4 (7 Kettles)." Rarely does talent this big gel so swimmingly or so quickly, and thus you are advised to pay close attention to the Arcade Fire 's scorching conflagration. -- Kelly Shindler