Jamie Berks first picked up instruments a couple of years ago. Now he is Killed by the Architects, on which he played everything. Chalk up another win for COVID.

Killed by the Architects Killed by the Architects (self-released)

And no, he's no virtuoso. But he plays a modern riff on 70s dark wave (there are, of course, plenty of Joy Division echoes), so skill isn't at a premium. He playing ringing guitar lines and sings with one hell of a quaver--and he's got an unwavering ability to craft memorable "hooks".

That word is in quotes because these droning songs are (intentionally) pretty much the opposite of three-chords and a dream (or today's technology-driven equivalent). This album sounds good at normal volume (which came as a surprise to me), but it's amazing when the knob heads toward 11. Berkes has created a brilliantly-limited sonic palette.

And while I can't find any official acknowledgement, it's pretty clear the band name comes from the Destiny video game series (every once in a while "Killed by the architects" is listed as a cause of death). That oblique sense of humor pervades this album, which leavens Berkes's dour compositions. Ride this one into the darkness.

Jon Worley