Search - Architecture in Helsinki :: Fingers Crossed

One, two, twee

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 05/14/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Architecture in Helsinki struck gold in their very first release.The Aussie octet sound remarkably polished here, with their mix of twee pop and nonsensical writing -- imagine a three-way between Fiery Furnaces, Arcade Fire and Belle & Sebastian. The result might sound something like the deceptively cute "Fingers Crossed."



The intro "One Heavy February" errs on the side of twee, with catchy synths and lots of handclaps. Then it switches into the twinkly guitar pop of "Souvenirs," which sounds sweetly innocent at first. But listen more carefully to what Kellie Sutherland sings. "I've got souvenirs/but yesterday can't mean too much/have we missed an opportunity?" she sings sadly. "For what once was gold/ and once was rich/now is poor."



That sound of poignant innocence permeates the entire album, over music so exuberant, warped and playful that it's enchanting. The general sound is that of guitar pop laid over thickly with keyboard, horns, and more handclaps. They also veer into childlike whimsy in songs like "Spring 2008," and a clarinet at the start of "Imaginary Ordinary."



But the songs slowly lose their more innocent vibe, sounding more and more melody. Even the catchy upbeat "Fumble" and childlike "Where You Been Hiding" sound melancholy. It's a bit like growing up -- life may still be beautiful, but you gradually lose your innocence and unbridled joy. By the end, we have Sutherland and Cameron Bird wistfully asking "where you been hiding?"



Writer/musician/vocalist Cameron Bird reportedly said that "Fingers Crossed" was the sound of a band figuring out what they wants to do. That explains why they have the musical naivete of a band just doing what they want to do, without imitation or preconceptions. So no matter how poignant, it's amazing music.



With eight band members, Architecture in Helsinki gets to really include a lot of instrumentation -- sparkling keyboard, guitar, drum and bass. But they also include instruments like clarinet, trumpet, trombone and tuba, which add a circusy note. Just try to find other pop music that has that kind of robust brass.



And songwriter Bird makes truly amazing lyrics. At first glance, they don't seem to make much sense ("Found a flaw in the ending of a book that I've read twice/I set her straight, it's not based on your life"). But after awhile, the gleefully strange lyrics do start to make sense, as Bird and Sutherland interweave their high, delicate voices and sing about how "I wrote you a letter in capital letters/saying all that I care for, all that I care for is..."



Architecture in Helsinki are one of the most promising pop bands in years, and "Fingers Crossed" is definitely worth having, for anyone who likes the idea of an Arcade Fire/Belle & Sebastian cross."

Surprisingly solid

Brent Black | , USA | 07/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love the first Architecture in Helsinki album. Fingers Crossed is like a breath of fresh air. It is light: Meditative without being overly ponderous. Makes excellent use of negative space. The CD is always over too soon for me & I have listened to it 7 times since I received it in the mail yesterday. This nice little group of Australians have made my week. The tone palate for the album is very well blended, perfectly in fact. With many of the home done type releases which have come recently, these eclectic instrumental combinations are hit & miss, particularly in communal bands with a large number of members where the hi-fi, low-fi argument is more likely to come to a head. Not so here, every note sparkles & shimmers. The production glows & blushes like a sunrises. It's a subtly done & wonderful thing. Similarly, male & female voices seem to blend together neutrally in an inspiring way."

Light and airy..

B. Cowe | southern california, USA | 05/09/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm reviewing this album as it comes to it's third loop at 3:50 in the morning. It was given to me by a friend several hours ago.



Most of all, i'd have to say that in my opinion, the majority's comparison to belle and sebastian seems a little extreme. i can see some threads of similarity, possibly in some of the production with horns, and the softness of the voices. some harmonic elements recall isobel's style, but otherwise, i wouldn't compare the two. if any comparison had to be made, i'd call them a softer, lighter, more structured Animal Collective.



if you enjoy cleverly put together, quirky, airy music that makes you dance around in your headphones, you'll enjoy this."