Architecture In Helsinki @ TheGovernor Hindmarsh, (25/05/10)

Fri 27th May, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Packing out The Gov on a weeknight is never an easy task for an Australian act, and whilst it took a while to fill, there was eventually an impressively large crowd at the Architecture in Helsinki gig. Melbourne electro-rock act Zowie brought punters to the front of the stage after a lukewarm but amiable set by alt-electronica duo Collarbones (half of which features Adelaidian Travis Cook). With a huge AKAI synth presence and a big laptop component, Zowie, whilst popular with many, proved a little irritating for some punters with a squealy tweeny pop voice bouncing off a more conventional, but somewhat repetitive conventional dance-rock structure. Whilst the sound was reasonably polished for what it was and the performance was confident, the act seemed a little unsuited as a support, given the textured dynamics of Architecture in Helsinki’s live sound. To be fair, whilst all acts had their qualities the overall line-up didn’t necessarily gel as an ideal match up, but as is often the case, it’s hard to find perfect line-ups to suit all tastes, especially with bands as unique as AiH.

After a long build up a very enthusiastic band was warmly welcomed on stage by a now impressively large crowd. The main course served up a number of hits like Moment Bends and_That Beep_ relatively early, a sign of an act that has the confidence of having no filler and a solid back catalogue. New single Contact High was decent, perhaps not on the same level and singles from the previous album , but still sounded great and was well received. Each element sounded clear and tangible with the signature keyboard chimes in each track cutting through perfectly. The band’s name seems especially apt given the great construction that goes into each song. The sharp arrangement of unique B52’s style vocalisation, choppy glitchy keyboards and incisive rhythm section fit together making a complex 100 piece jigsaw seem deceptively simple. The sign of a band who truly know their craft.

There are certainly many fans, including those in attendance, who prefer the breathier lo-fi style, of previous incarnations of the band. Further, it could be argued that many of the younger fans would have probably not been in attendance had the band continued down a less accessible more niche direction. Regardless, they remain very popular and whilst perhaps not conventionally regarded as a dance rock band, get a dance floor moving as good as, perhaps even better than any newer, more conventional indie rock band going around today. As it is, Architecture in Helsinki right now are easily one of the best bands in Australia with an addictive mixture of intelligent danceability, timeless songwriting and sharp snappy arrangements. SImply oput, they’re a band of our times who deserve all the credit they get.