January 27th, 2011 
James Shotwell 
Artist: Architects
Album: The Here And Now
Genre: Metalcore
Label: Century Media
If you are unfamiliar with Architects, a British band often cited alongside Bring Me the Horizon and Parkway Drive, you’re about to realize what you have been missing out on. Their fourth full length offering, The Here and Now, is destined to propel their growing popularity raw guitars, pounding drums, and lyrics drawn straight from the heart. If you though Architects were just another mindless heavy support act for your favorite band, it’s time to think again.
The album opener (and lead single), “Day In Day Out” sets the general pace of the whole release and portrays Architects shift up in gear perfectly. Singer Sam Carter’s calls of “To all those not living in the here and now, to all those (sing out loud)” seems like a call to arms for their fans, old and new alike, which a sentiment that is echoed throughout the entire release. “An Open Letter to Myself” is a pleasant drop in pace, much like that of their previous release’s self titled track, “Hollow Crown,” and marks the mid point of the record. Opposed to seeming like filler or downer tracks on the album, “An Open Letter to Myself” and “Heartburn” allow Carter and his band to vary their repertoire and show their versatility. Considering the band is known for their heavier music, these two tracks show a new sincerity from the band and the capacity to experiment and deviate from their known sound.
An appearance from Comeback Kid’s Andrew Neufield on “Stay Young Forever” adds an extra element of grit to the album, providing Architects with a new angle to deliver their signature heave sound. Opposed to sounding detached within the rest of the album, Neufield’s differing style blends well and provides a commendable performance. However, the piece de resistance is The Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato on and “Year In Year Out/ Up and Away”. With a well known vocal and formidable presence, Puciato’s appearance could easily have overshadowed Carter, but stays within reason throughout and only amplifies the band’s already strong presence.
The Here and Now is not quite a masterpiece, but is a giant leap forward for Architects. Tracks like, “Day In Day Out,” “Learn to Live,” and “Delete, Rewind,” are sure to be crowd favourites at both festivals and headline shows alike. Honestly, if The Here and Now doesn’t allow Architects to play bigger headlining shows worldwide then there is something seriously wrong with music fans today.
Score: 8/10
Review written by: Naomi Carson
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I loved this album! Really impressive, it’s definitely different to their previous release but that’s not always a bad thing – as they prove with this album :D!