On Stage Review: Architecture in Helsinki

Kellie Sutherland

Since Architecture in Helsinki's recorded music seems to benefit from being able to track in a studio, I was interested to see how their music would translate live and who would take the lead, performance-wise. They utilize a diverse array of instruments and rhythm structures, and I thought perhaps the live show may not live up to the recordings.

Gus Franklin

What transpired was indeed different from the recordings, and in the best way. Cleverly, the members of Architecture put together a performance that mas much "dancier" than they normally are, both in the heavy, solid beat, and in terms of energy. Also, they were very synth-heavy, with up to three members playing synths at the same time.

Cameron Bird

Cameron Bird, resembling Al Juergonson circa 1985 took a strong lead, able to bellow searing effected vocals while simultaneously communicating to the audience the humble good-spirited nature of the band. One thing was for sure, the band has the same playful endearing spirit that they seem to have on record, it felt almost as if they were all a very functional family performing for welcoming strangers. Architecture was very strong vocally, with almost all members chiming in at some point, Kellie Sutherland and Gus Franklin (who was amazing, even though he was ill) provided the primary support. Naturally, Kellie's unmistakable vocals stood out, truly shining throughout the performance.

The overall feeling of this show was an almost overwhelming warmth, a sense of careless playfulness that seemed to cascade through the audience. Not only was Architecture much better live, but they really seemed to have a sense of unity that made the performance seem less like a concert, and more like an experience.

Photos by Ellie Pritts Photography