Melbourne-based Architecture In Helsinki, are back with their fourth official album, Moment Bends.
Recorded at the band’s studio, Buckingham Palace, over the course of two years, the 11-track song set is a highly polished set of bouncy pop ofan indie hue. The opening track ‘Desert Island’ sets the tone; with its layers of synths, it’s pop at its poppiest, but there is a disconcerting lack of grit and substance.
The record is redeemed somewhat by ‘W.O.W.’ – a beautifully catchy song featuring Kellie Sutherland’s raw and captivating voice, it is the obvious standout. The problem is that nothing else comes close to matching its power.
To the band’s credit, the songs are well-structured and the record flows confidently from start to finish. But for all their finesse I remain unconvinced.