ARCHIVE – RESTRICTION

9/10

ARCHIVE - RESTRICTION

London based Archive return with their 10th album Restriction, produced by longtime collaborator Jerome Devoise. Encompassing mainstay duo Darius Keeler and Dan Griffiths with four vocalists and a multitude of songwriters Archive have been on a creative roll since they released their last audio/movie, the well received epic Axiom under a year ago. In their 20 year career the London collective have had a huge cult following in Europe but criminally overlooked in their home country, something which they take in their stride, but with Restriction I feel that is about to change.

Restriction was preceded by three singles: Feel It, Black & Blue and Kid Corner released simultaneously on the same day an unusual move, the reasoning being to make each track as important as the one before and not focus on one ‘Single’. One of the three tracks, album opener Feel It kicks off with a storming pace frenetic beats and garage guitar which slows down with piano before propelling skyward into an energetic frenzy! a tremendous start.

The standout track is the urgent Kid Corner, Holly Martin’s cool vocals and synths, confronts the dark subject matter of children with guns, Restriction is worth checking out for this track alone. There are delicate songs which slow the pace down only to gradually build, such as the emotional End Of Our Days, Third Quarter Storm and the amazing soaring Half Built HousesRestriction feels more immediate and energetic than their previous output and will appeal to a wider audience.

The four vocalists take turns blending a variety cinematic atmospheric moody soundscapes with electronic beats and abrasive guitars, to produce a phenomenal record. It might just might be the first great album of 2015.

Listen to the three singles BELOW:

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Xsnoize Author
Mark Millar is the founder of XS Noize and looks after the daily running of the website as well as hosting interviews for the weekly XS Noize Podcast. Mark's favourite album is Achtung Baby by U2.

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