Architects [UK]

Hollow Crown

[2.5/5]

Modern architecture values simplicity, favoring straight lines over baroque curlicues, and Architects (UK) have followed the trend. The Brighton, England-based band decorated its 2006 debut Nightmares with tech-metal squiggles and rococo percussion, but Hollow Crown eliminates most of those virtuoso adornments, replacing them with speedy hardcore, choppy grooves and relatively plain melodies. Post-Nightmares frontman Sam Carter silhouettes his increasingly tuneful delivery against skittering drums during several chilly mid-composition interludes, and he croons about how to “release these feelings” during the ballad title track. Carter pretty-sings competently, but the songs start leaking intensity when he shelves his convincingly anguished scream. An exception, which should serve as the group’s blueprint: The brief, intriguing guitar solo during “Early Grave” complements Carter’s clean vocals, demonstrating the kind of simple flourish that could have made each track more compelling. (CENTURY MEDIA; centurymedia.com) Andrew Miller