There are usually two ways for a band to go with its second album.

One is sticking to the original formula that may have worked so well the first time.,Coming off the success of its debut, Funeral, Arcade Fire has delivered a worthy follow-up with Neon Bible.

There are usually two ways for a band to go with its second album.

One is sticking to the original formula that may have worked so well the first time. The other is going in an entirely different direction that will mystify even your most diehard fans. Arcade Fire has found a middle ground that will satisfy the fans of Funeral and intrigue everyone else.

Doing what the group does best, Arcade Fire’s Neon Bible is an epic and lively release, with 11 fully emotive songs that cement the band’s future in music.

The first single, “Intervention,” is a new take on a song that has been in Arcade Fire’s repertoire since touring in support of Funeral. Filled with a thumping organ and parade-esque drum beat, “Intervention” is Arcade Fire going bigger with its sound than ever before.

Other tracks, such as “Keep the Car Running,” “The Well and the Lighthouse” and “No Cars Go,” give Neon Bible magnificent energy. The third song is a surprising inclusion on this album, as it was originally released on the band’s first self-titled EP back in 2003.

Re-working an already catchy song could have been disastrous, but Arcade Fire brings freshness to the Neon Bible version with extra orchestration and stronger production.

Just as on Funeral, vocalist Win Butler occasionally passes the singing duties to wife and fellow bandmate, R