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.
OVER THE RHINE
The Long Surrender
PATTY HURST SHIFTER
Fugitive Glue
Screaming Females
Rose Mountain
BEN HARPER AND THE RELENTLESS SEVEN
Live From the Montreal International Jazz Festival
Space Vs. Time
The Old and New Avant-Garde
SHELBY LYNNE
Tears, Lies and Alibis
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