|
Music: Architecture in Helsinki |
|
|
Architecture in Helsinki, Places Like This, An ever eclectic follow up to a two-run cutesy legacy.
Architecture in Helsinki is an amazing live band. When they came to America to debut their first two albums, it was a crazy parade of instruments, some used only once per song. It's like they raided an elementary school percussion cabinet and swore they would use every maraca, woodblock, and chime they could lay their hands upon.
Their third major release, Places Like This, looses a female vocalist and much of the micro-cussion chicanery as well as some of the cutesey yet heartfelt music. In exchange, they develop another, different, signature sound. I'm amazed at their ability to reinvent themselves and constantly infuse their music with novelty. With a track record like this, they could be indie music darlings for many years to come.
The music is passionate and inventive, with strange rhythms and explosions of yelling. It's certainly less accessible than their previous efforts, but I applaud them for reaching for new territory. I rank them as a must-see live.
Who would like this album: Novelty Junkies. Those who would like to see the best that the first decade of the new millenium has to offer.
Who would hate this album: People who need music explained to them.
(listen)
(link)
(Why we link to Emusic)
Permalink
|
|
Written by Cynthia Cyzer
|
|
Wednesday, 20 August 2008 |
|
Last Updated ( Sunday, 10 August 2008 )
|
