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.
SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS
Prince of Peace EP
EMILY HAINES
Knives Don't Have Your Back
BUTCH WALKER
Sycamore Meadows
Lambchop
The Decline Of Western Civilization: Part II
DAN CROLL
Sweet Disarray
BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE NOISEMAKERS
LEVITATE
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