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Architecture In HelsinkiIn Case We Die Tailem Bend/Inertia Disclaimer: you either love Architecture In Helsinki or hate them. If you had to describe the sound of their debut album and several (brilliant) EPs in one word, that word would undoubtedly be "cute". And yes, there are plenty of songs on this, their second album, that fall into that category. They will either capture your heart or turn you off the band completely. Tiny Paintings continues the school band image exemplified in previous songs like The Owls Go with a marimba and a plodding tuba. AIH are more than happy to go one further with Frenchy I'm Faking, which features a power saw solo amidst the stilted riffing. Tools aside, the final trio of songs best suggest a growing "maturity" in the band without any of that leaving their child-like roots behind. Need To Shout has a relaxing, calypso tinge, which is then followed by the delicate instrumental Rendezvous: Potrero Hill. Strings, synths and escalating percussion build the momentum in What's In Store?, closing the album with style; as the title suggests, perhaps it's an indication of the developing style of the group. However, the triumph of 'In Case We Die' is Maybe You Can Owe Me. It's a delicate, beautiful song that shines simply and purely. No endearingly cute hooks here, just a good song that will stay in your head for ages. By no means is it a perfect album. There are points where the band turns up the 'we're adorable' knob just that tad too much, such as when Cameron Bird puts on a faux ghoulish voice in The Cemetery. And granted, starting a song with the words "stranger danger" (It's 5!) can be a little bit too much. But now I'm just nitpicking; these are still good songs, and actually, It's 5! is one of the most infectious songs on 'In Case We Die'. 'Fingers Crossed' was a stupendous debut; almost impossible to follow up. Rather than try to equal it, AIH have followed it up in the best way possible: by taking the best parts of their sound, adding and developing it, and having fun along the way. Above all else, 'In Case We Die' is yet another declaration of this octet's love of life. It's entertaining, earnest, and honest. Best of all, it just has to cheer you up. Go ahead; let it make your day.  |
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