Archive - 'Noise' (East West) Released 08/08/05

Around for over a decade and with huge followings in France, Germany and Poland, Archive are relatively unknown in their native UK, despite many kind words being said about them. Their 1996 debut ‘Londinium’ has been described as “a blissed out classic”, while they were asked to record a soundtrack for Luc Besson’s film ‘Michel Vaillant’ in 2003, an indication of their following in France, where they are signed to the local strand of the Warner label.

‘Noise’ is the fourth album proper from the band, which primarily consists of Darius Keeler, Craig Walker and vocalist Danny Griffiths, though a number of other musicians also feature. It’s a dark brooding record, moody in sound – some of the guitar work could have come off Massive Attack’s ‘Mezzanine’ – with some plaintive vocals from Griffiths. If you had to offer a comparison to other artists, then the closest would be Hope Of The States or The Cooper Temple Clause.

The album starts impressively, with the first two tracks ‘Noise’ and ‘**** U’ getting your attention immediately. The latter is probably the catchiest thing on the record, managing to be both hypnotic and melodic at the same time, though unfortunately the lyrics would prevent it from gaining any decent radio play.

What is noticeable about Archive is the way their songs have so many layers to them, with slow burning keyboard riffs and driving rhythm eventually giving way to jagged guitars. When this works it’s great, as it does with the epic ‘Waste’ or the string-laden ‘Get Out’; there are however lesser moments such as ‘Pulse’, where Griffiths shrieks a little too tunelessly for most ears.

Such complaints seem a little churlish when summing up Archive. In a time when so many horribly average bands are succeeding with bland unadventurous balladry, here is a band that deserve – nay demand – to be heard.