Artist: Archive Album: Take My Head

Year: 1999
Duration: 0:0-1

Take My Head by Archive: A Dive into the Band's Dark and Brooding World

For those who love their music dark, brooding and atmospheric, Archive's Take My Head is an essential listen. The band has always been known for their unique blend of trip-hop, rock and electronic music with haunting vocals but this album ushered in a new era of sound. With its somber melodies, introspective lyrics and intricate production, Take My Head is a masterpiece of the genre. If you're yet to discover the brilliance of Archive, read on to learn more about their history, the genre of the album and the best tracks.
Archive is a British band formed in 1994 by Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths. They started out making experimental music that drew from a variety of influences including classical, trip hop, and punk. Their earlier works were characterized by ethereal textures, ambient soundscapes and gentle beats. But as they evolved as a band, their music got darker, heavier and more guitar-driven.
Take My Head, which is their fourth studio album released in 1999, marks a turning point in the band's sound. It's a grungy and atmospheric record with introspective lyrics, haunting melodies, and a cinematic quality. It's not a feel-good album by any means but it's hypnotically captivating.
The album has a definite electronic trip hop vibe, but it's leavened with great rock hooks and guitar riffs that draw you in from the beginning. The first track, You Make Me Feel is one of the best examples of this. The beat is slow, the melody is haunting and the chorus is explosive. The song captures the essence of the album perfectly – creating a tension between hope and despair.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the moody and atmospheric Taste Of Blood. With its brooding orchestral sound and hypnotic vocals, it's a perfect example of the experimental electronica sound that Archive is known for. They layer sounds to create a richness of texture that's played out beautifully in this track.
Another track that deserves a special mention is So Few Words, featuring vocals from singer Rosko John. It's an outstanding example of Archive's skillful tension building and climax creation. With its slow, trance-like opening, this track gradually builds to a crescendo that leaves you breathless. It's especially powerful when paired with its haunting lyrics.
One of the most innovative parts of Take My Head is the way producers Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths blend electronic and acoustic elements. They use live guitars and drums to create a more organic sound that doesn't feel forced or faked. The result is a blend of sounds that feels much richer than other bands in the same genre.
However, one criticism that can be leveled at Take My Head is that some of the songs can start to feel repetitive after a while. The dreamy soundscapes and the brooding melodies can blur together if you're not paying close attention. That being said, the album is still an essential listen for fans of electronica, trip-hop, and alternative rock.
In conclusion, Archive's Take My Head is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock, trip-hop and electronica. It showcases the band at their best - mournful, moody, and atmospheric. The album is a haunting and powerful listen that deserves to be played loud, and your undivided attention. If you love music that's innovative, intricate and emotionally resonant, give this one a spin.
In conclusion, Archive's Take My Head is a must-listen for fans of alternative rock, trip-hop and electronica. It showcases the band at their best - mournful, moody, and atmospheric. The album is a haunting and powerful listen that deserves to be played loud, and your undivided attention. If you love music that's innovative, intricate and emotionally resonant, give this one a spin.