Architecture in Helsinki - Places Like These

This is the third album from the Australian party-starters and at first listen, does nothing to dispel the notion that these are New Wave revivalists who use Talking Heads as the primary blueprint. In actuality, the music here has more in common with David Byrne's solo material, particularly Rei Momo, with its Latin and Caribbean influences, and an almost headache inducing array of instrumentation. Funky guitar and bass, orchestral trombone, chanty, childlike vocals and, of course, cowbells all feature heavily. This doesn't do them a disservice, because Architecture's stated ambition is simple: let's all have fun - and what could be wrong with that philosophy? Ok, vocalist Cameron Bird does his best Byrne (not him again) impression throughout but new single Heart it Races and album opener Red Turned White could very well be what might happen if a shouty, inebriated Manu Chao jumped up on stage with the Go! Team. Should sound excellent live. [Wilbur Kane]