Stripmall Architecture

The video for Stripmall Architecture’s thudding and primitive electro banger “One Of Three” follows an unknown woman as she trudges barefoot through a dreamy forestial terrain. The landscape, initially presented as tranquil, becomes more and more threatening as insects and lizards stare down the intruder. Director Matt Kleiner imbues the scenery with a threatening sense of dread that could have come from Lars von Trier’s Antichrist. As the lead character plods through the forest the juddering track becomes more and more of a battle cry until she emerges, suddenly, in the middle of the ocean. The song comes from the recently released ”Albino Peacock” EP. - VICE Magazine/Noisey

Stripmall Architecture have been building some West coast steam since they dropped the first half of their two-part Feathersongs For Factory Girls last year (Part 2 is out May 17th). Now they’re prepared to spread their tripped-out dream pop over the rest of the country with the Cluster 1 premiere of the video for “One of Three” off their most recent EP, Albino Peacock.

For the uninitiated, here’s a bit of history: as Cocteau Twins were heading towards the twilight of their career, Halou were seeing the dawn of theirs. When they disbanded in 2008, Stripmall Architecture was built on the foundation. As this new band, San Fransico-based duo Ryan and Rebecca Coseboom craft a shoegazing sound drawing on that history and more recent influences like The Knife.

“One of Three” is certainly the trippiest track on Albino Peacock, relying on cross-faded synths, electronic warbles, and an almost hypnotic kick-drum to the back of the skull to suck the listener in. The video, directed by Matt Kleiner, is equally meandering, featuring a lone woman in white traversing a forest, seeking a hidden waterfall exit. There’s a vague feeling of Lost, and some pretty fantastic location scouting. - Consequence of Sound

“A female front woman with an incredible voice - proves she has enough swagger and sway to keep things interesting without ever being overstated” - CMJ Magazine

“Does the mention of a band in between Sigur Rós and the Cocteau Twins make those little hairs on the back of your neck stand on end? Then you owe it to yourself to check out Stripmall Architecture.” - SF Weekly Magazine

“Earthy and airy, organic and dreamy, songs that surround you then suddenly take wing and fly away. Rebecca sings with a rarefied, alluring intimacy.” - MSNBC

"Not to often a band comes along and unexpectedly knocks my socks off. But recently it happened to me. A CD titled "We Were Flying Kites" by Stripmall Architecture landed in my hands on Saturday and it has been a fixture in my stereo ever since. From the intro of the first song "Her Words" the light, listful tones of Rebecca Cosebooms' voice to the last song titled after the album "We Were Flying Kites" driving beats, hooked and reeled me in. Not only is her voice smooth as velvet, the backbeat of the drums, bass and guitars are heavy and prominent, yet do not over shadow her airy, melodic vocals. The lyrics are poignant and tight

"You are the engineer,You are the scientist, And he is the face of this, And this is what you want, isn't it?
And now you don't have to try,You are infantalized, Out of the public eye, And this what you want, isn't it?" from "Gladhander".

Stripmall Architecture was formed by Ryan and Rebecca Coseboom in 2008 shortly after the disbandment of Halou (members of), after quite a productive ten year run with that moniker. "We Were Flying Kites" is the first full length album released in Sept 09' under the new name/group Stripmall Architecture.
There are ten tracks on the album. I have to say there is not one that I don't like, they are all fabulous. I might have a few favorites though #2 "Gladhander" #3 "Version" and #7 " A Trick of Light" for some reason they really stand out for me. You can purchase the album on iTunes, Amazon and LaLa. It is also available at independent record stores.

I am really excited to see them live at Chop Suey on Dec 9th. They will also be streaming live earlier in the day (noon) on www.kexp.org if you would like to hear a preview.

In a bold innovative move they have also setup a donation fund for the next EP project on their website. Which now has more than exceeded expectationsl!!! Just another way to get the fans involved, very cool! - Seattle Post Intelligencer