Architecture in Helsinki rose from the ashes of the High School band of Cameron Bird, Jamie Mildren and Sam Perry. Bird started writing songs at the turn of the century and convinced Perry and Mildren to help him flesh out his first set for live performance. Bird urgently needed a name for the band, so, he circled some words in a copy of The Age newspaper and did some magnetic poetry. In mid 2000, Bird met Kellie Sutherland at a party, she volunteered her musical services to the band at first playing clarinet. By the time Bird met James Cecil, Gus Franklin, Isobel Knowles and Tara Shackell whilst studying at RMIT University later that year, the band was well and truly taking shape.
"Fingers Crossed" (2002-2004):
After many discarded recording sessions and countless shows at North Fitzroy's Empress Hotel, the band locked down in their home studios for the best part of 2002 to make their debut album. The vast majority of the songs were written by Bird the week he returned from an extended holiday in the Pacific Northwest. Arrangements and production were labored over by the band in myriad of locations in and around their home town of Melbourne. Trifekta Records signed the band and released the record in February 2003. It wasn't released in the U.S. until March 2004 on Bar-None Records.
"In Case We Die" (2004-2006):
The band and associates leased a giant garage space in Melbourne's East Brunswick to record their Sophomore record. Work began on the record in June 2004 and Bird and Cecil worked day and night for 5 months on the production, enlisting dozens of guests to play on the record. Songs were primarily composed in the studio with Bird acting as some sort of mad professor with inter-band chemistry. In November, Tony Espie was hired In a bid to tame the record at the mixing desk. The band fell in love with his mixing style and studio demeanor when he worked on 'Do The Whirlwind', the record's lead single. The record was released in February 2005 in Australia on the band's own Tailem Bend imprint. Bar None Records released it in April 2005. It was the bands first release in Europe coming out in July 2005 on Moshi Moshi Records. In mid 2006, the band released a remix album entitled 'We Died, They Remixed' which featured a collection of their friends and contemporaries re-interpreting the songs of 'In Case We Die', This included Hot Chip, YACHT, New Buffalo, Mocky, Dat Politics, DJ Mehdi, Safety Scissors and Qua.
"Places Like This" (2006-2007):
At the end of touring In Case We Die in April 2006, Isobel Knowles and Tara Shackell left the band citing 'creative differences'. Bird decided to move to New York City to write for the third Architecture in Helsinki record. He demoed the songs in an apartment in South Williamsburg and worked on arrangements with the rest of the band via email and instant messaging conversations. In September 2006, the band convened in Los Angeles to play the songs for the first time. After a week of jamming they headed out on tour in support of Brooklyn band, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, to road test the new songs. To coincide with the end of the tour the band booked studio time at Stay Gold in Brooklyn with Engineer Chris Coady. The basic tracks were laid in the Stay Gold sessions in order to capture the energy of the band hot on the heels of the 25 show tour. The session was deemed a success, so Coady flew to Sydney's BJB Studios in December 2006 to finish the record. Bird and Coady put the finishing touches on the record back in New York in January 2007. The first single, Heart It Races, was released in May 2007. The album was released worldwide in July 2007.
"Moment Bends" (2008-2011):
After a few years of relentless touring. The band, now a 5 piece after the departure of Cecil, reconvened in Melbourne and set about the process of making a new record at a pace that was conducive to quality not insanity. They rented a space in East Brunswick which they set about renovating to better resemble a functional recording space. A giant photo mural of Lindsey Buckingham was erected on the studio wall to oversee proceedings and act as an inspiration for the record. The studio was named Buckingham Palace and the project was given the working title 'Vision Revision'. Longtime collaborator Francois Tetaz was brought in as producer, a move that instantly allowed the group to focus more on songwriting and ideas. The first fruits of this new endeavor came in November 2008 in the form of 'That Beep', the band's most accessible and commercially successful release to date. Meanwhile, back at Buckingham Palace, Moment Bends was beginning to take shape. The band had Engineer and Auxiliary member, Haima Marriott, working around the clock for the best part of 18 months between touring and various trips into Inspiration Hiatus. The songs were much more detailed and focused, the band was said to have searched for it's essence. On January 31 2011, It was announced that 'Moment Bends' would finally see the light of day in April 2011, almost 4 years after the release of 'Places Like This'.
2014
AIH released the album "Now + 4EVA" on April 1, 2014. the most popular tracks from the album are "Dream a Little Crazy" (written by the band) and "When You Walk in the Room" (the Jackie DeShannon classic).
Tours:
The band have toured heavily throughout Australia, U.S.A., U.K. and Europe playing festivals such as Coachella, Sasquatch, Sound Relief, Big Day Out, SxSW, Primavera, GTM, Pukkelpop and Haldern.
Architecture in Helsinki have toured/played with - David Byrne, Dr Dog, Death Cab For Cutie, YACHT, The Go-Betweens, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Santigold, Glass Candy, The Presets, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Au Revoir Simone, Field Music, Lo Fi Fnk, Yo La Tengo, Polyphonic Spree and múm.
The band have be known to DJ regularly, supporting acts such as YACHT and Hot Chip, also throwing their own party called 'Eye Do' on New Year's Eve 2009 in Melbourne. They also curated a DJ stage at Laneway Festival in Australia in 2011.
Underwater
Architecture in Helsinki Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Underwater, underwater, underwater, oh
Underwater, underwater, underwater
Underwater, underwater, underwater, oh
Look both ways when you leave the building
The wrath of millions of thieves lies disguised
While the children of makeshift hills
When we get delayed
Can we cast a line towards anyone dismayed?
Can we go it alone say, say, say?
Caught me listening to water dripping
From those old lips to a town where its dry
When you leave don't say
That anyone here will be thinking in modern ways
Can we go it alone say, say, say?
Look both ways when you leave the building
The wrath of millions of thieves lies disguised
Underwater, underwater, underwater
Underwater, underwater, underwater, oh
Underwater, underwater, underwater
Underwater, underwater, underwater, oh
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
Here underwater we're down
Here underwater way down
Here underwater we're down, down
The opening lines of the song repeat the phrase “underwater” for emphasis and rhythm. The word underwater often symbolizes a sense of being submerged or trapped, as if in a dream or a state of confusion. In this context, it can be interpreted as a metaphor for feeling lost or drowning in one’s thoughts or emotions.
The next verse warns us to “look both ways when you leave the building” and to beware of the “wrath of millions of thieves lies disguised”. This foreboding warning is followed by a mention of “children of makeshift hills”, who repeat the “code of silence” sixteen times, suggesting an ominous sense of secrecy enforced by a powerful group of people. The lyrics then ask if we can “cast a line towards anyone dismayed”, indicating a desire to reach out and connect with others who may also be struggling.
The next verse tells a story of someone listening to water dripping, perhaps alone and in silence, with the only sound around them being the steady drip of water. They are in a “town where it’s dry”, suggesting a sense of isolation and desperation. The final refrain of “here underwater we’re down” is repeated multiple times, echoing the theme of feeling trapped or overwhelmed by one’s circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Underwater, underwater, underwater
The repetition of this phrase serves to emphasize the theme of being underwater, which is used as a metaphor throughout the song.
Underwater, underwater, underwater, oh
The inclusion of 'oh' at the end of each repetition adds a sense of longing and emotion to the theme of being underwater.
Look both ways when you leave the building
This line is a warning to be cautious and aware of potential dangers when leaving a place of safety.
The wrath of millions of thieves lies disguised
People may be deceived by those who would rob and harm them, as expressed through the metaphorical language of this line.
While the children of makeshift hills
This line is a reference to those who are disadvantaged and may be forced to makeshift homes or settlements.
Let the code of silence repeat sixteen times
Silence may be used as a defense mechanism or tool for coping, but it can also be a hindrance to communication and understanding, as highlighted in this line.
When we get delayed
This line suggests a potential setback or obstacle in achieving a goal or reaching a destination.
Can we cast a line towards anyone dismayed?
The use of 'cast a line' refers to reaching out for help or support, particularly towards those who may be struggling or troubled.
Can we go it alone say, say, say?
This line questions whether it's possible or preferable to undertake a task or journey alone, and repeats for emphasis.
Caught me listening to water dripping
This line describes a mundane moment of contemplation which, through the metaphor of water dripping, could be interpreted as a deeper reflection on life or oneself.
From those old lips to a town where its dry
This line connects to the previous metaphor of water and suggests a parched environment, perhaps in a figurative sense of lacking fulfillment or joy.
When you leave don't say
This line seems like another warning, but its meaning is unclear as to whether it suggests to leave quietly or not to leave at all.
That anyone here will be thinking in modern ways
The idea of 'modern ways' suggests change or progress, but this line could also be interpreted sarcastically or skeptically as a critique of societal norms.
Here underwater we're down
This phrase reiterates the theme of being underwater and experiencing a sense of being weighed down or trapped.
Here underwater way down
This line emphasizes the depth of being underwater and expresses a feeling of hopelessness or despair.
Here underwater we're down, down
The repetition of 'down' adds to the sense of being stuck or sinking deeper, even as the song approaches its end.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: BIRD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind