Big Is The New Small
by Bill Stella

In only two and one quarter minutes, Architecture In Helsinki's "Do The Whirlwind" asks the question, "What're we going to do today?"...and it never seemed so ripe with possibility. Mixed with attention grabbing observations, the band directs this multi-tempo monologue at the unnamed companion she's walking in a park with.
 
D'ja know this is an Australian band? I'm sorry I missed them when they played in NYC recently. Must remember to see them when the come around again! (See also Altrok Listener 2 for "Wishbone".)
 
Note, incidentally, that Architecture In Helsinki's presence further underscores that Polyphonic Spree are not the only large ensemble in indie rock. I'm excited about the trickle of small big bands coming into view. Architecture In Helsinki, The Decemberists, The Go! Team – all have large regular memberships. Of Montreal comes from the waves of semi-incestuous Elephant 6 bands. Other bands, like Belle and Sebastian, and even the semi-fictional Gorillaz have a large revolving cast of contributors (characters, in Gorillaz case).
 
Is this the world that Frank Zappa – with his tendency to champion and nurture an ever-mutating cast of sidemen – has wrought? Is this the influence of the vast Parliament / Funkadelic family – and its Talking Heads (large band version) – offspring? Is this what electronic web-based collaborating, frequent flying, and low fuel costs (Enabled-By-Middle-East-Wars Division) has wrought?
 
Keep tuning in.
 

 

©2005 Bill Stella