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Architecture in Helsinki (a.k.a. Pluto, The Planet That Went Missing)

by Allison Carter
09/09/2006



If you're in search of Pluto, search no more. Pluto now comes to in the form of Architecture in Helsinki, as described by lead singer Cameron Bird. But, before we find Pluto here's a little history about their beginnings.

Contrary to their assumed place of origin, Architecture in Helsinki hails from Melbourne, Australia. According to Architecture in Helsinki's web site, the music career of Cameron Bird sparked the very beginnings of the band. While he was in high school he was in the Pixel Mittens with two future members of architecture. Eventually the band split up, giving Cameron time to grow and experiment with music.

Around 2000, Architecture in Helsinki was well on its way to becoming complete. Each member was falling directly into the path of Cameron Bird. In 2000, Bird met James Cecil while he was in art school, and Kellie Sutherland at a party. These two new-comers, plus the former members of The Pixel Mittens were the AIH line-up during the creation of their first album. Soon after beginning work on Fingers Crossed, however, Bird had to take a trip to the US. In his American adventure, Cameron was introduced to new music and the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

Upon his return, new ideas were introduced to the band, such as shorter and catchier songs. The addition of the members of The Rhinestone Horns - Gus Franklin, Isobel Knowles, and Tara Shackell - fleshed out the AIH sound. These changes fueled the completion of Fingers Crossed.

Recently, the number of members in the band has dropped to six. The exit of two members, Gus Franklin and Tara Shackell, is what Bird called "natural." "We changed the direction we were moving in. It wasn't a meltdown, it just happened." The change in direction which prompted their departure was in the nature of their music, with less of a prominent role for brass instruments.

Make no mistake though; AIH is still fully equipped with enough instruments and different influences to make their music more than just ordinary. "[Each member brings] ...so many different ideas about music and the world," says Bird. The music made by the combination of their different views capitalizes on a unique situation - Australia's musical isolation from America and Europe, two places many musicians look to for inspiration.

As a result of this detachment, many musicians from Australia have doubts about their chances in succeeding, but Bird has a positive take, viewing it as, "...really positive, totally healthy. It develops your interest and imagination." Just one listen to AIH and the feeling that they've completely embraced the isolation is immediate. Their lyrics, mostly written by Bird, have the feel of personal art, a mixture of experienced truth and studio creativity.

As for the instrumentation, there are no boundaries to what you will hear. They play with a variety of instruments that add flavor to the sound. There might be a glockenspiel, the voices of children, hand claps, snapping of the fingers, analog synthesizers, and samplers. Of course, the guitar, bass, and drums are used as well. All of these instruments coming together could lead to disaster, but with AIH it makes sense. "[It's] ...curious, makes the noise attractive," comments lead singer Bird.

So now that the missing planet Pluto has taken on a new identity in the cheery, exuberant music of Architecture in Helsinki we can all, that is Athens and all the cities on their tour, share in the celebration of what some people have left unappreciated. Architecture in Helsinki is touring partly in promotion of their sophomore effort In Case We Die. They are in the process of completing their third album, due out in the next few months or sometime next year.

On Friday, September 22, Pluto will be within Athens' reach. No need for telescopes, just make your way down to the 40 Watt for AIH's first visit to Athens. Although new to Athens, they have previously been to Atlanta and the islands of Georgia, fondly mentioned by Bird. "I love the music from Georgia's coral islands." Since the group is Australian and the location of the show is in Athens, Architecture plans to make the show a "uniquely Australian/Georgian experience." So with a description of a bands performance like this, what should most Architecture in Helsinki first time-show-goers expect the atmosphere to be like? "Chaotic, Euphoric, Messy."

Bring your extra clothes and a care free soul to the celebration of Georgia and Australia. Don't forget your tickets, but make sure to leave all organization at home. Advanced tickets are on sale now, purchase them online or at School Kids Records for $10. Doors open at 10 PM.

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