“Everything was amplified during this period”

Over the years, their success in France is undeniable… There has always been at Archive, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019, a sense of lyrical despair, muted violence and political intentions. And with the events of the past three years, between Brexit, Covid-19 and confinements, the demonstration has only been more dazzling.

“During the pandemic, everything has been amplified and that’s what this period has been inspiring for us. So many of us were deeply touched by everything that happened during this period, whether we were writers, musicians, painters or whatever, we all tend to reflect what is happening in the world“, decrypts Darius Keeler, founder and only permanent member of the fluctuating collective with his friend Danny Griffiths.

The result ? An album between shadow and light, 17 imposing titles including a central piece, Daytime Coma15 minutes of slow progression towards the final release.

The pandemic, inequalities, racism… Archive conceives its music as a permanent claim. “When I was younger, we seemed to have assimilated, we were told that the lessons of the past had been learned. Where I grew up there were big issues with racism for example, and over time it seemed to get better. People became more tolerant. But today, this far-right stupidity, this nationalist talk… Everything is suffocating“, cowardly Darius Keeler.

Archive is also an incredible story of love and loyalty with their fans in France, never denied for a British group that regularly comes to this side of the Channel. “It’s the first time at the Accor Arena in Paris for us. And it’s funny for us: we’ve played in so many different venues in Paris that we always try to keep the fans interested.“, assures Darius Keeler.

“Archive is not just a band, a collective. It’s a real show, a journey and it will be a great new experience, especially with this album that sounds so epic!”

Darius Keeler

at franceinfo

Epic, yes, but also grueling, dark and luminous: these Englishmen are no exception.

Archive in concert in the fall in France, on November 25 at the Accor Arena in Paris.