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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

All material ©2001,2002 Sean Carolan, except as noted.

Today's NY/NJ Shows That Matter

Saturday, February 4, 2012
 
Skrillex at Terminal 5
 
John Wesley Harding's Cabinet Of Wonders w, Edie Brickell, Punch Brothers, Josh Ritter and more at City Winery
 
John McEuen (x-Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) at Sanctuary Concerts, Chatham NJ (sanctuaryconcerts.org)
 
Dixie Bee Liners, Glimmer Grass Band and Thomas Wesley Stern at Strand Theatre
 
Uli Jon Roth & Leslie West at Starland Ballroom
 
Laura Crisci at Brookdale Performing Arts Center
 
Raul Midon at Outpost In The Burbs, Montclair (outpostintheburbs.org)
 
Saturday Afternoon Song Swap w, Bruce Tunkel, Tom Kanach, Alice Genese, Michael Brett, Dale Burleyson and Brian Muni at Rockin' Joe, Millburn (4:30p)
 
Harper Blynn at Living Room
 
American Babies at Rockwood Music Hall
 
Joe Lewis Walker at Stanhope House
 
Tragedy at Asbury Lanes
 
Lightning Jar, Matt Witte and Devils Holiday at Trinity & The Pope
 
 
More NY/NJ Shows That Matter