Archive

Archive is a London-based UK music collective formed in 1994 by Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths. The group starts as an electronica project and develops from an early mix of Bristol-associated trip-hop sounds and rap into a broader style that includes alternative rock, ambient pop, art rock, crossover prog, electronica and post-rock elements. It is active from 1994 to the present and is associated with Dangervisit Records.

Origins and early releases

Archive forms in London and later spends many years based in Paris, where it builds a larger following. The first album, Londinium, appears in 1996 and features Roya Arab and Rosko John as guest vocalists. The second album, Take My Head, appears in 1999 with Suzanne Wooder on vocals and shows a more melodic direction than the debut.

Line-up changes and musical development

After changes in line-up and being dropped by its label, the group reaches a more defined sound on You All Look The Same To Me in 2002. That album features Craig Walker, formerly of Power of Dreams, and moves further towards progressive music while keeping electronic عناصر. Pink Floyd is noted as a clear influence on tracks such as “Finding It So Hard” and “Again”.

The collective continues with further vocalists and members including Pollard Berrier and Dave Pen. Later members and contributors listed with the group include Lee Pomeroy, Steve Davis, Steve Harris, Maria Q, Holly Martin, Jonathan Noyce and Smiley, alongside Danny Griffiths, Darius Keeler, Craig Walker and Roya Arab.

Later albums and live work

Archive continues with the albums Michel Vaillant in 2003 and Noise in 2004. Craig Walker then leaves the project. The group carries on as a collective, with Pollard Berrier taking lead vocals on Lights, released in 2006. Berrier is also associated with the vocal group Bauchklang in Vienna.

A live album, Live at Paris Zenith, appears in 2007 and is recorded at a sold-out show in Paris on 20 January 2007. Archive continues to tour and releases music as an ongoing collective rather than a fixed band.

Recognition and audience

Archive gains growing popularity and critical attention, especially in France, Greece, Germany and Poland. Its recordings are released through Warner Music France as well as Dangervisit Records.