Reading Festival // Her Indoors (Now Onstage)

While far from lonely (and still in our prime), Noize often gazes at couples both young and old, ruminating on the lack of a Mrs. Noize. What most tugs at our heart strings are the little gestures; holding hands at the supermarket, opening doors or pulling out chairs, and, the real tear jerker, ordering just one sumptuous, chocolate dessert, to be shared and mutually enjoyed. Ah, wedded bliss. However, when we eventually find Mrs. Right, no matter how perfect and beautiful she is, we just can’t imagine sharing life and work. So we doff our black felt trilby to Win Butler and Regine Chassagne, husband and wife (so far so good), and twin propellers of indie juggernaut Arcade Fire. Worried that this might be a damp squib following the excitement surrounding Pete ‘n’ Carl, a few drifted off to the bars and dance tents. More fool them, for those who stayed were in for a treat. Drawing on their back catalogue as well as Suburbs, they more than lived up to top billing, looking every inch like they belonged. Swapping instruments regularly, they mixed the maudling and upbeat expertly, never being anything less than spellbinding. Looks like the top table has some new Royalty, and that marriage is one institution they are happy to live in. How do they do it?

Words by Derek Robertson

Photos by Danny Payne