Architects Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Following on from Revenge, the Architects build another themed album, although Vice isn't really what the set revolves around. Instead, the songs delve into tough times and hard living, seen through the eyes of underdog characters who invariably find themselves at the pointy end of society's stick and suffer the consequences. The tales are gritty, hard-bitten, and crime-ridden, and although set in contemporary times, they often evoke the potboiler Hollywood crime flicks of the '40s and '50s. The music, however, is thoroughly contemporary, a simmering mix of rock, punk, and post-punk. "Hard Times" collides styles together, the drony goth rock guitar edged out by the classic rock lead licks, while the chorus punches its fist into anthemic arena rock. The infectious "Daddy Wore Black," in contrast, combines Who-ish power chords with Cheap Tricky pop/rock to great effect. The Architects don't always cross their genres. The stomping good-time rock & roll of "New Boots & Truncheons" is pure classic rock at its anthemic best and the blistering "Cold Hard Facts" is a headbanger in an AC/DC mold, while the sizzling "Jersey Shore" dives into metal and "Continental" storms into hard rock fueled by guitar solos that ape a wailing harmonica. At the punk end of the spectrum, "Help" takes inspiration from both the old school and the new school and "Mrs. Doyle" crosses melodic punk with a touch of rockabilly, while "Drop in the Bucket" is built around an angular post-punk bassline but boasts an anthemic new-school chorus. "Pills" makes a nonsense of such distinctions, perfectly poised as it is on the thin line between punk and rock. Hard-driving, hard-drinking, but reeking of strong melodies and infectious choruses, this is one vice listeners will have no desire to kick. ~ Jo-Ann Greene, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Though the band is made up of three-fourths ex-Gadjits members, you won't find any horns on Revenge, the sophomore album from Kansas City's Architects. What you will find, however, is dirty rock & roll tinged with Southern heart and gritty, passionate attitude. Gravelly yet soulful vocals cut through searing guitar leads and a powerful rhythm section with enough fervor and style to bring out the inner redneck in even the most uptight of hipsters. It's kind of like mixing the essence of the Black Crowes with the attitude of the Hives and Rancid in a ramshackle roadside bar of cowboy boot-wearing patrons listening to AC/DC. And the music is fun. The exuberant "Widows Walk" and "Live Forever" own up to the band's rooted punk past, while the title track proves to be an affecting and searching quasi-ballad. Plus, the punchy, nocturnal realms of "Bury My Heart in Lebanon, MO" are just asking to be sung along to on the highway while driving away from one's hometown. With Revenge, the Architects have managed to serve up a solid rock offering with enough soul and punk urgency to keep things interesting from start to finish. ~ Corey Apar, All Music Guide
