Architecture in Helsinki
I saw Architecture in Helsinki last night at the Empty Bottle. I had really wanted to see a local band Tenki play the SubT but I figured Architecture in Helsinki may not play in a really long time being that they are from Australia (they were actually selling t-shirts that said My mom and dad went to Australia and all I got was this lousy Architecture in Helsinki shirt)
They had a really good audience with the club either almost sold out or definitely sold out. The eight members really made the sound full and involved. At times, the male lead singer kind of reminded me of Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand only Australian. They were at their best when the three female voices all joined in. Their songs ranged from a bit dancy to having this wholly organic sort of feel that reminds me of the melodic Animal Collective songs (think Sung Tongs not their earlier more experiemental stuff) The songs were also often nicely supplemented with brass instrumentation as well (I liked how one of the guys played the flute and one of the girls played the tuba. (tuba represent!)) Often there were two trombonists and a trumpeter as well.
The difference between seeing Architecture in Helsinki and seeing other bands is that they had a very be what you want to be kind of thing going on. Like “Pretend you’re in a jungle and make your animal noise!” Also, they handled the stupid “Free Bird!” audience call better than any band I’ve seen play here. (In the midst of this, someone near me was also yelling out “Blackbird” which I would have actually enjoyed hearing) They were like “Oh yeah Lynyrd Skynyrd. We love him! Come on up here and sing the first verse!” They continued to cajole (and coax) the now embarassed audience member up to the stage until he finally admitted he didn’t even know the lyrics. Then, they were like “Oh man you don’t even know the lyrics to “Free Bird”? Come on man!” I doubt that man will ever try to ruin another show again.
Incidentally, if you live in Chicago, Architecture in Helsinki have promised to come back in another year and open with “Free Bird.” So prepare yourselves.
(now playing: Mazarin: We’re Already There)
October 16th, 2005 at 11:50 am
[...] The first, Tenki, I saw last night for the fourth or fifth time. I was thrilled that they were playing another show so soon because I missed them when I chose to see Architecture in Helsinki a couple of weeks ago. [...]