Every now and then, I borrow CDs from the public library to listen to at work. One of the things I try to do is to always check out at least one CD by an artist or group that I am not familiar with; this has been a good way for me to find new music. Some of the artists I've found this way: Four Tet, the Benvenetto/Russo Duo, M. Ward, and today's artist, Architecture in Helsinki.
Specifically, I'm going to talk about AiH's debut album, Fingers Crossed. It's probably classified as 'twee', meaning that most people would expect me to hate it. I really enjoyed this album though. It's full of upbeat melodies, hand claps, cheery keyboards, strings and breathy vocals. Maybe one track where there are children singing gets on my nerves a little bit though. This album even has horns and bells! Really, it's hard not to be in a good mood after listening to this album, unless it's just too precocious for you. The lyrics don't stand out but certainly fit the tone of the album; there is one song about protecting someone from a serrated knife, which is kind of funny for a few reasons.
The songs are all short, sometimes a little too much so; this is very much a band that has found its sound but doesn't exactly know what to do with it yet. I'll be curious to hear some of their other work, but I'll always like this album. Standout tracks include "Like a Call", "Vanishing", and my personal favorite, "Fumble." I could listen to the strings at the end of "Fumble" all day. I don't know what else to say about this album, except that it's just a little bittersweet listening to it; it makes me long for something I can't quite put my finger on. I guess this album is like a warm bed on a cool day when you don't have to get up and do anything right away: you know it can't last forever, but while it does, it's comforting and relaxing and wonderful. Bonus points if you can share it with someone.
I think I just found this album at the right point in my life. If I were younger, I might not have taken it seriously; if I were older, I might not have given it a chance. As it is, I'm just glad I found it.
In other news, I'm not freaking out about testing yet but I'm thinking about it. I wrote my statement of philosophy, and I actually don't hate it; if you want to read it, just let me know.