Architecture in Helsinki

It is becoming increasingly apparent to me that Australia is now becoming the new Sweden of the indie scene (no offense my fair Swedes), churning out one after another of intriguing, unique folk and rock acts (see Jet, Sia, New Buffalo, The John Butler Trio, Bernard Fanning, etc.). Well don't believe what your mother tells you (or the name of the band), because eclectic rockers Architecture in Helsinki are really from down under. Combining the strange creative energies of a Devendra Banhart, the instrumentation of a Sufjan Stevens, and the vocals of a falsettoed Queen (?), Architecture in Helsinki delivers oddly beautiful pop arrangements on their new album Places Like This that will have you tapping those feet of yours in a hurry. Admittedly, I find some of AIH's music a tad too esoteric to fully enjoy but I happen to enjoy them most when I just buy into their silliness. Songs like "Debbie" and "Red Turned White", infused with funky synths and intoxicating horns, are just straight up fun, while tracks like "The Same Old Innocence" present a more serious rock tone that explores into a chorus of "Way-ohs", ACDC style. The bottom line is that AIH can rock and have fun doing it, but they've got to be careful of not scaring off their listeners in the process. But as far as I'm concerned, bring it on.

You can purchase AIH's Places Like This here.
Listen to "Debbie" (5/5)
Listen to "The Same Old Innocence" (4.5/5) (courtesy to rocksellout.com)