In Case We Die
by Architecture in Helsinki
  • Record Label: Bar None
  • Release Date: Apr 12, 2005
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35

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  1. LukeH
    May 1, 2005
    5
    This album is impossibly sweet and childlike, I have two words for this group: Grow Up.
  2. DecepticonPom
    Jun 7, 2005
    6
    I'm an Aussie and saw these guys live in December. They were the most infectiously happy, loveable ragtaggle I've ever seen on a (tiny) stage! Sadly, this album falls short of expectation. Sometimes the joy and abundant ideas are spread a little too thinly. Definitely worth checking out but I might recommend their debut Fingers Crossed more.
  3. JoeC
    May 31, 2005
    5
    Worth a listen, but sometimes the sugar coating can get a bit annoying.
  4. BillK
    Jun 16, 2005
    4
    First off, let me say that this band has tremendous potential. They have come up with countless memorable melodies and there are many instances on this disc where everything clicks and this band's songwriting talent is apparent. However, the lyrics are hyper-twee and get extremely annoying. I wanted so much to look past the lyrics and the vocals, but it just didn't happen. There First off, let me say that this band has tremendous potential. They have come up with countless memorable melodies and there are many instances on this disc where everything clicks and this band's songwriting talent is apparent. However, the lyrics are hyper-twee and get extremely annoying. I wanted so much to look past the lyrics and the vocals, but it just didn't happen. There are numerous times that I literally cringed when listening to this disc. I know it's cool in some indie pop circles to be ridiculously twee, but it just sounds so forced. This disc, in my opinion, is one of the biggest disappointments of the new century. It could have been so wonderful....… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 2 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Everything on In Case We Die, from the intensely sweet melodies and vocals to the widescreen production, delivers the kind of playful pop majesty that Fingers Crossed's best moments hinted were within Architecture in Helsinki's grasp.
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  2. Rolling Stone
    60
    These tracks employ a familiar strategy, piling up shambolic riffs and Belle and Sebastian murmurs until the homespun pitter-patter rolls like a wave and approximates hard-won beauty. [24 Mar 2005, p.79]
  3. Under The Radar
    70
    While the general feeling of each song is sort of all over the place, there is a feeling of cohesion thanks to smart instrumentation and overall unconventional arrangements. [#9]
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