Architecture in Helsinki: NOW + 4EVA (Casual Workout) Review

Architecture in Helsinki

NOW + 4EVA

Casual Workout

Apr 15, 2014 Web Exclusive By Billy Hamilton

Moving from indie oddballs to pop pleasure-seekers should have been easy for Architecture in Helsinki, but the Australian ensemble are hampered by a desire to be taken seriously on their appallingly-titled fifth LP, NOW + 4EVA. And when you’re conveying the honey-smothered subject matters of the Glee-like “Dream a Little Crazy” or ‘80s dreamer “2 Time,” that sort of artistic integrity is hard—if not impossible—to achieve.

Admittedly, the execution is flawless and the soft caress of “Echo” emits slithers of their idiosyncratic past. But this half-baked record teeters on a constant sonic sugar crash, unable to sustain energy or interest for prolonged periods. Instead of crafting a throwaway pop record, Architecture in Helsinki have come up with a pop record that deserves to be thrown away. (www.architectureinhelsinki.com)

Reviews