Architecture In Helsinki Review

Tonight's line up is an independent music fans dream. Forget the 'indie' world with its chart hits, bland rhythms and product placing attitude, this isn't the indie music you expect to be brandishing front covers of magazines. It's the music you stand by, support and believe could one day hit the big time, whereas in truth, deep down the future isn't so bright.

But Slow Club are just awash with joy. This may be a hometown gig for the couple but to find so many cheery faces early on the evening fills the room. The crowd's dancing and clapping as the band perform makes the gig feel like a summer breeze and its unfortunate to find their set tonight so short lived. While their twee melodies and perfect harmonies intertwine you can't beat the duo's happy-go-lucky attitude. As singer Charles moves to the rhythm of his own guitar, Rebecca provides the big bass and array of percussion. Their songs are hit after hit and every member of the audience is either dancing or singing-a-long.

Caribou, then direct the night into a very bizarre place. A mixture between Sigor Ros and Lemon Jelly, their set moves into a relaxing dance vibe as the crowd figure out the instrumentation onstage. The vocals are distorted and as it moves into a complex world the music becomes more compelling with every listen.

Architecture in Helsinki however, are something else entirely. Wearing colourful clothes and sporting ridiculous hair they come bounding onto the stage, bright eyed and full of enthusiasm. There are some bands that make you feel wonderful, who pick you up as soon as they open their mouths- and Architecture in Helsinki are one of them. Sure, their music sounds like a cross between toddlers playing with keyboards and the gingerbread man from Shrek on vocals, but it all just fits. Every member is jumping, flailing, swapping and changing until they can't give anymore, and they still have the energy to look like they're enjoying it. The female vocals are also surprisingly strong as the band power through highlights of 'Places Like This'.

Its a mess of sound, complimented with ramshackle melodies, but quickly the strong dance songs shine through, and before you know it the whole room has burst into happiness. "If you give us love, we'll give you more back!" shouts lead singer Cameron as he hits a drum pad. Stumbling over his own feet he's a humorous character to front a band yet it fits Architecture in Helsinki perfectly. As the band finish on 'Heart It Races' with its strict rhythm, and unbelievably catchy hooks Architecture in Helsinki are the band who should be on the radio, and pasted on magazines. They create brilliant zany pop music, and believe me, as the audience leave grinning from ear to ear, the future definitely is bright.