Australian indie pop act Architecture In Helsinki make clever music that sounds like the soundtrack to children playing in the sandpit. The band, as well as guitar bass drums have some interesting instruments such as tubas, flutes and trumpets. Comprised of multi instrumentalists, Architechure In Helsinki are a talented bunch.
Architecture In Helsinki
Kellie Sutherland - Vocals, Keyboard, Clarinet, Percussion
Sam Perry - Bass, Guitar, Keyboard, Percussion
Tara Shackell - Tuba, Trombone, Keyboard, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Cameron Bird - Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard, Bass, Percussion
James Cecil - Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Bass, Keyboard, Backing Vocals
Gus Franklin - Trombone, Drums, Guitar, Keyboard, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Isobel Knowles - Trumpet, Keyboard, Percussion, Backing Vocals
Jamie Mildren - Guitar, Bass, Keys, Percussion, Flute
Despite feeling like the band were just warming up,
Fingers Crossed was an excellent debut which displayed Architecture In Helsinki's potential. Just a year later, Architecture In Helsinki have released an album which expands on the ideas presented in their first album and makes some darn good songs along the way. Signed to Bar/None Records (home groups such as Of Montreal), Architecture In Helsinki have come a long way in a very short time. Pop in most parts and progressive in others, it's hard to believe that
In Case We Die comes less than a year after
Fingers Crossed. With their mix of influences, male/female vocals and occasional shouting, Architecture In Helsinki's music has generated many comparisons to another band who debuted in 2004, The Arcade Fire. And for once, the comparisons are both justified and accurate. Both bands have a similar sound, as well as a similar quality of music. The difference being that Architecture In Helsinki put out albums so quickly. Will they be able to maintain this speed of output of quality material? It remains to be seen.
In Case We Die has many standouts. And while the album flows together extremely well, most tracks are unique and memorable as stand alone pieces. There is not a track on the album that lets it down, though there certainly are some tracks that are better than others. Some of the rhymes within the lyrics, "The Cemetary" for example are nothing short of brilliant in the context of the track's music.
In Case We Die opens with a slightly eerie but epic track which includes brass instruments and choirs. Other parts of the album are complete indie pop, existing for no other reason than that they are enjoyable. Songs like "Frenchy, I'm Faking" mix the two sounds together, switching between epic choirs with brass fanfares and guitar driven indie pop. The aforementioned track also includes construction sound effects, things like saws and power drills. And though the first half of the album is undoubtedly stronger than the second half,
In Case We Die is complete indie fun all the way through. What makes it even better is how soon it came after
Fingers Crossed. They may not be able to keep up this speed of output for their career, but Architecture In Helsinki have a bright future ahead of them.
Pros
One of the funnest albums released all year
Some beautiful and memorable melodies
Cool mix of influences
Cons
Nothing major
Reccomended Tracks
Neverevereverdid
Maybe You Can Owe Me
In Case We Die Pts. 1-4
