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Landing somewhere between quirky B-52s style pop and the bizarre noisiness of a They Might Be Giants kid's song, Architecture in Helsinki's third album is just as enjoyable as it is difficult to categorize.  The sextet from Australia really don't hold back here, incorporating a wide range of instruments to lend a zany, childish element to the music that really compliments where the band was going with their previous works. The result is a sugar-coated romp which skirts the lines between indie and dance that is perfectly suited to the unique style of the band itself.

The members of Architecture in Helsinki have really developed a sound that is their own on this album.  Their previous works, Fingers Crossed and In Case We Die, were well regarded among the indie community, with a unique if not slightly restrained sound.  Places Like This pushes the band past this barrier and gives us a riskier, and effectively more interesting album.  The whole experience is like a jittery, jagged amalgamation that combines stop-go rhythms, squealing vocals, and retro synth to provide something that is fresh and edgy yet still simple and accessible.

There are some really memorable tracks here, but my favorites are surely Hold Music, and Heart it Races.   The first sounds like a hyper tribute to the B-52, complete with male and female vocals from Cameron Bird and Kellie Sutherland. The song will hook you with the stuttering rhythms and a penchant for Talking Heads-esque funk.  It explodes in every direction and is probably the best example of their new sound, something I like to think of as a controlled chaos.  The latter song stands to show off the versatility of the album with steel drums and a very tropical feel.  The vocals, either male or female, always fit in well on the album despite slightly abstruse lyrics, often times providing the adhesive that holds some of the loose-fitting songs together.

Unfortunately the chaotic individuality of the album is also one of its weakest elements.  While Places Like This often feels silly and fun, it can occasionally feel unfocused and slightly too sweet, providing a sugar high from which you will inevitably crash.  Despite this, Architecture in Helsinki has created an excellent party album that is endearing and memorable.  Some might scoff at the novelty and disregard it entirely, but they are missing out on a band that is willing to experiment without the arrogance and pretentiousness of a more prog oriented band.  It is this airy, fluffy quality which makes Places Like This a tasty snack between the more serious fare being released this year.