2014-04-12
With Architecture in Helsinki's newest, cheekily-titled release Now + 4EVA, the band accepts with WIDE open arms an unapologetically contemporary synth-pop aesthetic, complete with George Michael-esque vocal stylings from Cameron Bird and a tepid yet somehow aggressive cover of Jackie DeShannon's 1963 hit "When You Walk in the Room." Formerly an 8-piece, the Fitzroy, Australia group slimmed down to 5 members and focused their energy on producing a polished and focused pop sound that is evocative of 80s cheesiness and modern disposable radio "bangers." Unlike the chaotic, often bizarre compositions found on the band's earlier albums, Now + 4EVA embraces more linear and unchallenging song structures, and, all told, fails more than it succeeds.
WISE IN TIME
The Ballad of Den the Men
Oren LaVie
The Opposite Side of the Sea
Various Artists
The Dialogue Music CD 2007, Volume 8
The Plurals
An Onion Tied To My Belt
THE SUBMARINES
Honeysuckle Weeks
Michael Brook
RockPaperScissors
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