Architecture sounds like
From a purely practical perspective, the purpose of music reviews is to guide purchasing decisions. Next to the beloved numerical rating, “Buy this if you like XXX” is the best piece of information a critic can provide. But the problem with playing the sounds-like game is that it fills the listener with expectations that can unfairly color a new CD. Take Architecture in Helsinki’s excellent sophomore release, In Case We Die.
Stylus Magazine’s review cites the Fiery Furnaces’ Blueberry Boat at least four separate times. Certainly AIH share a penchant for non-traditional song structures, but it completely lacks the Fiery Furnaces’ depth of eccentricity. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing: AIH is far more welcoming than the Fiery Furnaces and their melodies hit the mark more often than the siblings Friedberger.
Metacritic’s summary paragraph compares the band to “the Arcade Fire dosed with happy pills.” Again, not an unfair comparison given the shouting-girl vocals on both CDs, but it leaves the listener disappointed by AIH’s lack of emotional intensity. It’s a trade-off: AIH trades the Arcade Fire’s intensity for an inspired attention to sonic and production details.
A safer tactic is to invoke an obscure, defunct band with few recordings to assist the fact-checkers. My choice here: a more symphonic, de-ska’d Me, Mom, and Morgantaler.