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It’s always interesting when you hear of a bona fide veteran arena rock act referred to as an “indie band.”

Bar bands from Halifax to Vancouver should have it so rough. In the case of the biggest independent act the world has ever known, Quebec stalwarts Arcade Fire continue to push forward the boundaries which it established with the 2004 masterpiece, Funeral.

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Fast-forward 13 years, five hit albums, singles, critical and commercial acclaim, numerous industry awards and endless sold-out tours . . . and at its core and its heart, Arcade Fire is still very much that ferocious live “indie” band that we all remember.

Led by the incomparable Win Butler, and his wife, musical co-conspirator and mistress of the “keytar,” Regina Chassagne, AF still attacked the ultra-nifty and well-lit 360-degree stage/boxing ring like an extremely proficient, multi-instrumental street gang.

It was hilarious watching the group “enter” the stage as heavyweight boxers in their own brand of sportswear. The group’s current Infinite Content Tour is a tongue-firmly-in-cheek brand assault on the senses, but the music, and the joy of music, always shone through.