Although initially a project of two guys, Darius Keeler and Rosko John, Archive is the music collective that featured many artists over the past two decades. Two guys found this project in London, albeit they reside in Paris today.
By releasing their debut album Londinium in 1996, they have become a well-known electro project. From the beginning, it was clear that the guys are influenced by Portishead and Massive Attack, but their schtick was fusing it with rap. Over the span of their career, Archive have experimented with their sound and showcased sonic diversity, from trip-hop to progressive rock. Still, there was a universal subtext - each of their 11 studio albums was wrapped up in electronic music.
Their newest effort titled The False Foundation is a bit different than everything else they have dropped before. The name and the concept are both provocative, as Archive reinvestigates social situation, nationally and internationally. Fake basis are the epicenter of the album. What the electro collective wants to warn us about is that the structure of public is based on wrong premises, so that it should be re-examined and changed.
When Darius sings The king of the false foundation almost screaming at you, he wants you to question your prejudices. His vocal is straightforward and sensual throughout the album, especially in Bright Lights and A Thousand Thoughts. The influence of Massive Attack is to be herd on Splinters, while Portishead vibes radiate on The Pull Out. Archive might have stayed loyal to their old influences, but they have colored them with new dimension. The whole record is hypnotic, symphonic and almost monumental in its substantiality.
Sell Out is the example of the cut between the melody and numbness, while Driving In Nails resembles Nine Inch Nails. The False Foundation is a turbulent and emotional journey that includes wide range of problems, from social to personal ones. It is both introspective and eclectic. Topics switch as the song number rises.
Archive have always been experimenting. Their alacrity to create something different leaves the listener unprepared, so I want to prepare you. This is the album that does require some adjustment, but it’s all worth it ones you scratch under its complexity. The False Foundation becomes something real.
