Archive - Call Us Prog

To mark the release of the new album, "Axiom", a soundtrack that serves as the script for a film, we interview Darius Keeler, the mastermind behind the London-based outfit, who have always been engaged in blending the most disparate genres of pop, electronica and rock with a "Floydian" approach that they themselves don't hesitate to call "progressive".

Darius, let's start with your new album, "Axiom". It's a soundtrack for a short film directed by Spain's NYSU. How did you manage to combine your sound with the film's production process? And do you consider it an artistic milestone, given your longstanding inclination to write "cinematic" music?

"Axiom" isn't exactly a soundtrack; if anything, the film is the backdrop to our music. We composed "Axiom" in just ten days, like an unexpected journey, and we thought a film should be made from it. We're happy to have met NYSU. The goal was achieved: NYSU added many layers to our music, giving it a pristine interpretation.

Can "Axiom" be considered a new starting point for your career? Could you, for instance, start specialising in soundtracks?

Who knows... I think it could be an activity running alongside writing music with our band.

Will you be touring to promote the album? Will you also be coming to Italy?

We're playing very few shows, but I'm sure we'll come to Italy. We love the Italian audience.

Where does the name Archive come from?

It came up in a conversation with Rosko many years ago... it seemed like a good name for a band.

One of my favorite albums of yours, “Controlling Crowds”, from 2009, was centered on the theme of crowd control. Was it a political record?

It's more of a protest record, really - that was a rough period… I think musicians always tend to write according to the mood of the moment… there was a lot of bad feeling between people back then.

Speaking of politics, there have been so many changes from the 90s to today, both in the UK and around the world. How do you see the current economic crisis?

Capitalism is so predictable! You grow, and grow, and grow, and grow, and then you crash. It's really very destructive.

Your band has changed line-up many times over the years. In your current formation, the added value for me is Maria Q, the singer of Italian descent…

She's one of the most genuine people I've ever met. She's given so much to Archive.

Musically too, you've been in constant evolution since your debut. How have your fans reacted to these continuous transformations?

I think our fans expect it by now and are prepared for it. Like I said before: basically, we follow our instincts in the moment, and that's what drives us to change our sound.

Over the years you've been labeled in every way imaginable: post-rock, electronic, trip-hop and progressive rock. In one word, what is your music to you?

I think Archive are progressive.

Actually, I really like your prog leanings. Something very current and modern, nothing to do with revivalism. What is prog in the 2000s?

I think today's prog bands have completely shed all limits and structures. Whereas I think back in the 70s, after that first golden phase, prog bands ended up becoming pretty predictable.

Last question: your music is very complex, but catchy at the same time. Have you ever thought you could have reached wider commercial success, in the wake of bands like Portishead, who were in the trip-hop scene like you?

I think Archive now have their own little universe… The wonderful thing about our band is that it's far more often “discovered” by listeners than played constantly on the radio. It's a word-of-mouth thing, and we're very happy with that.

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