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.
Whiskey Myers
Mud
THE DISMEMBERMENT PLAN
Uncanney Valley
ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION
With All Due Respect
THE UNIVERSE
The Outer Void Intrepid Sailor
MATT TEN CLAY & THE HOWLERS
Very Much Alive
Barrence Whitfield with Tom Russell
Hillbilly Voodoo
The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.