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.
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