Architecture in Helsinki
This is the Australian experimental avant garde eight-piece that has acquired a pretty strong following. Well, think about it. Eight members, and....god knows how many different instruments (although a lot of their songs still come off minimal)...including glockenspiel, trombone, trumpet, tuba, recorder, clarinet & finger clicks. I really like the clarinet in "Imaginary Ordinary" and "Scissor Paper Rock." Not all of their vocalists are favorable at times. But, the wide range of instrumentation and vocal options makes them very attractive to me. Note: Avant garde is usually the term they throw at bands like this...i.e., bands that can't be placed under one category and confuse the hell out of you.
They still have a very...mellow, if you can even call it that...pop sound. But, in songs like "Do The Whirlwind", they can be bouncy and fun (and really bubblegum-ish) if they wanted.
The debut album Fingers Crossed is a good start. It's fresh and very well produced. The next album In Case We Die is essentially the same album, which may not be a good thing. This is one of those bands you just want to see get better with each release. Just keep your eyes out for them.
Favorite tracks: Tiny Paintings, Scissor Paper Rock, Do The Whirlwind, In Case We Die (Parts 1-4), and One Heavy February.
http://www.architectureinhelsinki.com/ (sample In Case We Die!)
http://www.myspace.com/aihmusic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXIzy...0in%20Helsinki