Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This Review
by Erika Szabo
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Three years ago, Architecture in Helsinki debuted with Fingers Crossed, a playful album that may have lacked power, but made up for it with charm. When the Australian indie pop collective's second album In Case We Die was released, it was critically lauded for its intensely sweet melodies and full-bodied temperament. The natural progression from tentative pint-sized songs to solid and adaptive full-length beauties embodied AiH's tightened sound after touring with big name bands like Belle and Sebastian, Yo La Tengo and David Byrne. Progressing even further, AiH has recently released their most daring album yet, Places like This. Sadly the time and effort put into this album may have been a step in the wrong direction for this deeply creative collective. From opener "Red Turned White", it is clear that AiH want to be heard after hearing their buzzing guitar rhythms, and catchy synth lines. Initially being known as a low-key and fastidious collective, AiH has emerged from the shell on their third, and much more rowdy full length. "Heart It Races" emanates a calypso feel with its resonating steel drums and bongos while Cameron Bird and Kellie Sutherland's vocals in "Hold Music" screech and stammer to jittery electronica beats. "Feather in a Baseball Cap" has memorable beats ranging from moody to atmospheric. The amiable "Underwater" sounds dreamy and lethargic with its wispy vocals and ambient beats. The intensely sweet "Like It or Not" will leave you missing AiH's In Case We Die days (especially after the repeating refrain "Her mom thinks she's in love with you"). They make it okay to be playful and smart without too much melodrama and romance, but only in this one song. Little of this album is actually playful; it is just great to dance to. "Debbie" actually offers some impressive old school beats, but lacks heart much like in "Lazy (Lazy)". "Nothings Wrong" simmers down with chatty vocals, but offers little else. "Same Old Innocence" stammers in vocals but still offers fairly intriguing beats and a capella backdrop making for a decent closer. Places Like This is too uncoordinated and bombastic to be considered a great album or even a good album, but it has its moments. It's understandable that AiH want to experiment with different sounds and genres. But with very little of the saccharine nature commonly found in their earlier works, listeners may feel detached and bored. On the other hand, some listeners will lionize AiH for their frenetic energy, dance/pop rhythms and strong bass. I think the underlying issue for Places Like This is the direction they took in sound, not the change itself. By obstructing the view of AiH's previous albums, Places Like This will undoubtedly become a hit. Though it's unfortunate how listeners not familiar with AiH will regard this album over its predecessors, this album means well, but essentially leaves you wanting more.
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Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like This
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