Melbourne’s ensemble Architecture In Helsinki is just one of those groups that I’ve become increasingly fond of with each release, leading me to declare their 2005 album In Case We Die as one of the best releases of that year in my college newspaper. Currently, the group is about to release their third album, Places Like This, on Polyvinyl Records. Places Like This will be released Aug. 7.

First thought: WTF?! Do I have the right record on? It sounds like the B-52s staggered into the recording studio after ingesting gallons of mixed drinks and drug cocktails.

Second thought: It sounds like a head-on collision of their songs “It’s 5!” and “Maybe You Can Owe Me” in some tribal jungle, where the haggard remains of victims rolled themselves into the nearest vicinity, which happened to be where the natives love to dance, whoop and play loud club music.

I had read that two of the members left due to “creative differences,” which is apparent from the very get-go, as Place Like This feels like the band completely cutting loose and exploring more feet moving material. This exploration comes at a bit of a cost though, as their childlike song quality is gone, and so are the tempo changes throughout songs. One of the biggest positives that can be said of the album is that Kellie’s vocals take a more prominent role this time.

Architecture In Helsinki: Debbie

Architecture In Helsinki: Hold Music

Architecture In Helsinki: Souvenirs

Architecture In Helsinki: Maybe You Can Owe Me

Architecture In Helsinki: Do the Whirlwind [Halma's Remix]

Places Like This will be released Aug. 7 on Polyvinyl Records.