Archive

Archive are a South London-based musical collective renowned for their cinematic soundscapes, genre-defying evolution, and uncompromising artistic vision. Formed in 1994 by Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths—former members of pioneering drum & bass group Genaside II—the band debuted with the critically acclaimed Londinium in 1996, blending trip-hop, rap, and orchestral textures. Over the next two decades, Archive became known for reinventing their sound with each album, incorporating elements of progressive rock, electronica, soul, and post-rock. From the lush melodies of Take My Head (1999) to the epic scope of You All Look the Same to Me (2002)—featuring the 16-minute standout track ‘Again’ —their music grew increasingly ambitious. Following widespread success in France and Europe, Archive composed the soundtrack to Luc Besson’s Michel Vaillant, and cemented their reputation with Noise (2004), which propelled them to stardom across the continent. After shifting to a flexible, collective lineup, they released Lights (2006) and the politically charged Controlling Crowds series (2009), showcasing their lyrical depth and genre versatility. Their later works—With Us Until You’re Dead (2012), Axiom (2014), Restriction (2015), and The False Foundation (2016)—pushed creative boundaries further, with Axiom even spawning a dystopian film premiered at Sundance London. Their upcoming 13th album Glass Minds (2026) is a sonic and emotional odyssey through electronics, motorik rock, subtle dance grooves and beautifully heartfelt songwriting. As with so many of their albums, it sounds different from its predecessors and yet is somehow recognisably, inimitably Archive.