ARCHIVES

Leitmotiv's debut, Entangled, was a very original Symphonic Prog album, with top notch musicianship and compositions, while this one deals with a more varied sound, being a ''archives'' of their early recordings, which it brings a less professional sound, mainly because it was recorded in live sessions, as well as not having a defined sound, which may drop the rating down, but how about the songs?:

Archives brings you:

- Sort of Psych Rock stuff: - On the Road gives you a groovy bluesy Leitmotiv, in which then will develop to this Pink Floyd early psych similarity, with a organ resembling Richard Wright's playing in their early days, as well as having a playful drumming similar to Nick Mason's playing. The song also carries some heavinness mainly for it's opening and closing riff, similar to what Cream or Deep Purple were doing in the 60's. A good return to the 60's.

Big Groove also features Floydish spacey characteristics ala Atom Heart Mother(without the brass of course) or Echoes, but like On the Road, it also has another genre to make the song more diverse and entertaining(for the listener or the musicians, not sure who), this genre is a type Garage Rock feel, mainly for the opening and closing riff, and style of drums. I must admit that it's a interesting mix, which results quite good after all.

- Symphonic, Groovy and Spacey: - Funk You is definitely the one for these tags, changing constantly to Yes-type Symphonic melodies, to a very entertaining funky rythm which makes you make un-thinkable dancing moves, to some quite crazy sung melodies, though it doesn't last long. The song also features some heavy symphonic sound which Genesis had in their early albums. To describe this song brief, it's a exciting Symphonic Funk Prog song, with very good musicianship.

- Fooling around?: Paris 50 demonstrates that Leitmotiv likes to have fun, the guys are fooling around with some good and not-so good melodies/chords, whatever... It does have some moments of sparkle, but it's so bad placed and connected, which I would careless.

A Nova Bossa is a Rock(and maybe even Prog) version of a Bossa Nova rythm. It has from the obvious Bossa Nova intro feel, to a more sophisticated heavy sound in the middle, though the Bossa rythm is there. A interesting song from the first listens, then you might find it dull.

- Leitmotiv is Heavy!: Well Gring Organ definitely is, with a almost metal-style intro, you know where the song is moving to. A good riff, as well as good heavy organ for those who like heavinness directed by the organ. A enjoyable heavy rocker.

Mario Bug is a heavy blues one, with the blues base rythm well tight and trustable guitar solos. Pittily the last 2 minutes are quite absurd noodling, though it might be of interest for those who like experimentintal stuff in middle of well based song.

Mr. Raw is the last song, and belongs to the heavy songs of the album. A straight-forward heavy rock song, with a now quite boring guitar, probably because of repeating itself. The song finishes with a annoying dark-melodic organ solo, which can't do any good to the album.

Archives is certainly a album in which Leitmotiv had fun doing, with a bit of all, showing talent as well as not-showing it. The album starts very well, but then moves onto too much noodling and fooling around, which makes the album un-worthy in general. And well, the sound quality being annoying, which makes this odd mix difficult to listen, can't do any good.

2 stars. For fans/collectors of this band. Definitely check their first, first.