Amateur Ornithologist – The Haunted Life of Architecture

In the contemporary music scene, where many artists and bands deliver the same old, repetitive, bland songs on a daily basis, stumbling upon an innovative music outlet has become nearly impossible. It seems like all those acts favor replicating something renowned greats recorded and released decades ago over genuine musical experiences that will unquestionably tackle all the senses of the dedicated audience. In an era where social media platforms dictate what’s good or not, good artists can barely get to the top while those producing generic music get all the attention. Thankfully, Amateur Ornithologist is a collective of musicians who know how to craft those catchy, memorable, engaging songs where each vocal, sonic, and rhyhtmic maneuver captivates the listener. With “The Haunted Life Of Architecture,” they’ve demonstrated how modern pop music can still sound fresh, unique, innovative, and exciting, just like the first time you heard it on the radio. But, as is usually the case, there’s more than meets the eye. This is pop music with a twist, an amalgam of genres thoughtfully assembled to satisfy even the pickiest listeners. And while all sorts of pop, like contemporary pop, alternative pop, indie pop, and other similar subgenres reign supreme throughout the entire album, you can’t escape the remainder of the styles this clever ensemble has incorporated into it. You’ll notice some of the finest properties borrowed from art rock, indie rock, psych rock, post-punk, and many more roaming around, enhancing, decorating, and accentuating particular segments or entire songs. Also, an Amateur Ornithologist infused the qualities that meet all the trends of contemporary music production, but you’ll also notice a subtle touch of nostalgia lurking around and giving this material more depth. Therefore, with this clever mixture of music genres and various approaches, “The Haunted Life Of Architecture” is one of those magnificent full-lenght albums that will unquestionably appeal to not only pop, rock, and indie fans, but anyone who appreciates flawlessly composed, performed, and recorded music.

This is one of those music releases that will appeal to your ears no matter which genre you prefer, due to the brilliant songwriting and outstanding musical performance. Each composition has something to offer that will definitely convince you to spin this record all over again. Even with the initial notes and beats of “Swing Around,” you’ll immediately realize you’re in it for a treat. This introductory piece is packed with captivating vocal harmonies, soothing orchestrations, and well-accentuated beats, capable of melting the heart of even the pickiest modern pop fan. And the way Amateur Ornithologist immediately changes the calm, relaxing pace to more energetic rhythmic patterns signifies that this is not a one-dimensional album. Quite the contrary, with “I See Faces,” the ensemble showcases that they’re not just another pop band that delivers the same old instrumentation like the majority of the scene. Their songs are multilayered experiences where each vocal harmony carries emotion; each string, brass, wind, rhythmic, and any other instrument is here to hypnotize you and prepare for a listening experience of a lifetime. And they’re not into those simplistic melodies, harmonies, themes, leads, and rhyhtmic patterns either, and songs like “Decoupage” exemplify how even pop songs can have odd-time signature, progressive instrumental segments, and impressive vocal harmonies where ever lead line, additional vocal layer, back vocal, and sing-along not only lead the listener on an epic sonic journey, but also contribute depth, detail, psychedelic, and anthemic vibes. And if you’re more into those calm, dreamy pop songs, Amateur Ornithologist has got you covered. “Catch A Glimpse” exemplifies the versatility of this band, as they embark on a completely different sonic journey where intricate percussions and accentuations dictate a relaxing pace, warm-sounding basslines, violins, brass, and vocals penetrate your listening apparatus and refuse to let go long after the last notes and beats fade away. “Rituals” continues at the same style and pace, but it also leans more into new wave waters, with all those perfectly programmed synth themes and leads, psychedelic vocal harmonies, and beautiful wind orchestrations. Perhaps this song relies on percussive keys and guitars for a rhythm, but there’s plenty of other instruments roaming around for your ears to soak.

“If I Were To Know” blends psychedelic pop and folk rock together seamlessly, showcasing another face of Amateur Ornithologist. This band never ceases to amaze with its ideas, and it also seems like they expand their musical vocabulary with each composition. Each composition acts as a separate sonic universe, existing and articulating on its own while representing an adequate part of the greater multiverse. “Winter Sun” brings back the dynamic indie rock upfront. Amateur Ornithologist once again explore a combination of lush keys, brass, wind, and guitar orchestrations while the complex, warm-sounding, vividly hearable low-ends give more than necessary punch and beats dictate the remainder of the groove and pace. It’s one of those standout songs that will immediately become a staple on your indie playlist. And just when you thought this band couldn’t impress you more, “Kiss The Stones” appears, offering a slice of sophisti-pop sound. It doesn’t stray too much from the remainder of the material, but it shines with its cozy, warm, sophisticated ambiance. As usual, the band sounds top-notch, making this listening experience worth spinning over and over again. “Lament” has its slow, half-time pace and calm, soothing, relaxing, ethereal ambiance, heavily drenched in almost jazzy, sixties pop sound, but it also expands further into psych-pop waters with each involved instrument appearing from all possible sides. And if this band hasn’t impressed you enough, just wait until you hear the closing piece. With its ethereal, psychedelic verses and groovy, powerful choruses, “The Mirror Crack’d” encompasses everything this band stands for. Lush instrumentations, harmonious sing-alongs, and delicate rhythmic patterns make this composition so satisfying and fascinating . It’s a perfect closure of such an incredible album. With “The Haunted Life Of Architecture,” Amateur Ornithologist changes the course of modern pop music. They break all the rules, shapeshift boundaries, and craft soulful, passionate, emotional, powerul, honest music that tackles all the senses. If you’re looking for a perfect soundtrack for whatever you’re doing right now, this album is a perfect pick that will stay with you for a while. Do not miss it!