Archive was formed by Londoners Darius Keeler and Danny Griffiths in 1994 and began as an electronica project. At the beginning, they mixed Bristol-style, Massive Attack, Portishead with Rap. The first album of the band, Londinium released in 1996 (with Roya Arab and Rosko John as guest vocalists). The second album, Take my Head, (which the band hates) was released in 1999 (with a new guest vocalist Suzanne Wooder), it is much more melodic than Londinium. The first song of the album, You Make Me Feel, illustrates this change in the Archive's music. After being dropped by their label and more changes in the lineup, the band seemed to hit its stride on the third album You All Look The Same To Me (2002), featuring singer Craig Walker (formerly of Power of Dreams), which took a decided turn toward more progressive music (with some Progressive Rock influences, notably Pink Floyd whose indelible influence is audible on tracks such as 'Finding it so Hard' and 'Again'), while still maintaining electronic elements. The band saw growing popularity and critical acclaim, especially in France, Greece, Germany and Poland. After recording two more artistically—but not too commercially—successful albums, Michel Vaillant (2003) and Noise (2004), Walker left the band for reasons the band and he will not talk about. The project continued on as a Collective, with new vocalists, Pollard Berrier and Dave Pen. In May 2006 they released the album Lights with Pollard Berrier on lead vocals, who is also a member/guest member of the innovative group, "Bauchklang" - a completely vocal beat-box (Vocal Groove) group based in Vienna, Austria. Archive released a live album, entitled,Live at Paris Zenith, in May, 2007 - which was recorded on January 20th, 2007 at the sold out Zentih Arena in Paris. Rolling Stone called it, "The best live album ever made." Archive continues to tour and is working on a number of forthcoming releases in the near future.
Archive are a Collective, not a band.
Noise
Archive Lyrics
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In your own frustration
Lip sinkin' haircut
Blow me away
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
Suffocate in this noise colder
It means so much to me
Nostalgia
Makes your livin' so easy
Ludites
Make it easy for me
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
Suffocate in this noise
Colder
It means so much to me
To me to me to me
To me to me to me
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
Rather be in this noise
Rather be in this noise
I'd rather be in this noise
Rather be in this noise
Rather be in this noise
Repetition baby
Machine is takin' over
Dance with me baby
The future is here
Scientific baby
Waltz hand in hand
Scientific baby
Technological man
Would you rather be in this noise?
Celebrate in this noise colder
It means so much to me
Would you rather be in this noise?
Celebrate in this noise
Colder
It means so much to me
Repetition baby
There's no escape from me here
Run run baby
Try to run from me here
Reconciliation
Welcome back here
Fun fun fun fun fun
Get your fun from us here
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
Celebrate in this noise
Colder
It means so much to me
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
Celebrate in this noise
Colder
It means so much to me
It means so much to me
It means so much to me
It means so much to me
It means so much to me
It means so much to me
The lyrics of Archive's song "Noise" seem to capture the frustration of the modern world, where people feel trapped by the routine of their lives and want to escape into something that gives them meaning. The opening lines suggest that people should stay in their own bubble of frustration and continue to live in ignorance, as the outside world can be overwhelming. The reference to lip sinking and haircuts could be seen as a symbol of conformity and the desire to fit into society's expectations.
However, the chorus implies that the noise of modernity is actually something that people want to immerse themselves in, even if it suffocates them. It suggests that there is something about the constant buzz of the world, the technological and scientific advancements, that is addictive and comforting. The repetition of the phrase "to me, to me, to me" further emphasizes the personal connection that people feel with the noise of modernity.
The second part of the song talks about the inevitability of progress and the dominance of the machines. The tone shifts to a celebration of this new world and the idea that we should dance and embrace it. The repetition of "scientific baby" and "technological man" suggests that technology is the future and the driving force behind our progress.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a commentary on the paradoxical relationship people have with modernity - it is both frustrating and comforting, suffocating and addictive.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay in your coma
Remain unaware and passive in your current state.
In your own frustration
Indulging in your own anger and dissatisfaction.
Lip sinkin' haircut
A reference to someone who is consumed with their appearance, perhaps to the detriment of other aspects of their life.
Blow me away
Cause a strong emotional reaction in me.
'Cause I'd rather be in this noise
I prefer to be in this chaotic and overwhelming environment.
Suffocate in this noise colder
To be overwhelmed by the noise and feel disconnected from others.
It means so much to me
This chaos and noise has a deep emotional significance for me.
Nostalgia
Longing for the past and a simpler time.
Makes your livin' so easy
The lure of nostalgia is that it makes life seem effortless and stress-free.
Ludites
Those who resist new technology and progress.
Make it easy for me
Without others challenging the status quo, I am comfortable and unchallenged.
Repetition baby
The constant repetition of technology and modern life can be suffocating and unfulfilling.
Machine is takin' over
The fear that technology is becoming more important and more pervasive than human connection.
Dance with me baby
An invitation to join in the frenetic pace of modern life.
The future is here
We are living in a time where technology and progress are constantly changing the world around us.
Scientific baby
A celebration of the advancements of science and technology.
Waltz hand in hand
To move together in perfect harmony with the advancements of science and technology.
Technological man
The new ideal of a human who is perfectly in sync with technology and progress.
Would you rather be in this noise?
Asking if the listener would prefer to be overwhelmed by the chaos and noise of modern life.
Celebrate in this noise colder
To find joy and happiness in spite of feeling disconnected and overwhelmed.
Reconciliation
A coming together after a period of separation or conflict.
Welcome back here
Inviting the listener to return to the chaos and noise of modern life.
Fun fun fun fun fun
A reminder that modern life can still be enjoyable and entertaining, despite its overwhelming nature.
Get your fun from us here
The message that this chaos and noise is the only source of entertainment and fulfillment.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CRAIG WALKER, DANIEL GRIFFITHS, DARIUS KEELER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind