First, some background: I loved the Arcade Fire’s full-length debut, Funeral. Simultaneously uplifting and harrowing and everything in between, it is and remains my favorite album of the 21st century so far. Okay, so it’s only been seven years or so, but still. (The album came out in 2004.)

In light of that, I have been both anticipating and dreading the follow-up. The thing is, when your first effort is something as incredible as Funeral, it sets expectations high. Really, really high. Like, “omg how the hell are they ever gonna top that” high.

Well, Neon Bible—which will be officially released on March 5 in Europe, and the day after in North America—leaked to the interwebs a while ago, and I finally got around to listening to it. And all I can say is… wow. It’s too early to tell if this will surpass Funeral in my mind, but in any other context, it’s excellent.

“See the Arcade Fire live” is most definitely on my List of Things to Do Before I Die.

While I’m on the topic of music, Hot Chip’s The Warning probably would’ve made my top five of 2006 had I, you know, actually listened to it in 2006. Sigh. So much music, so little time. But such is life.