The Evolution Begins
5
By Taylz468
With the Archives 2-volume set, Delerium traces its roots as a goth-rock instrumental experiment, and shows us not only how solid a foundation its sound was built on, way-back-when, but also how far it has come. The album is an excellent addition to a collector's collection, but may disappoint fans new to the Delerium sound.
Archives is a "best of" of Delerium's old works: Vol.1 encapsulates four albums from 1988-1992. The album delivers haunting, slightly exotic gothic melodies that consist mostly of samples and beats strung together for maximum effect. The result is an enjoyable (if slightly repetative at times) trip through a different set of moods and emotions, carefully crafted and well executed.
But for fans of newer Delerium material, (Semantic Spaces, Karma, Poem) this album may fall short of the mark. Now known for its pop vocalists like Sarah Mclaughlin and Kristy Hawkshaw, and its fully developed sound that challenges the line between goth and pop, Delerium has progressed considerably since its 1988 debut. The songs on Archives precede a 1994 rebirth that added vocals and a level of complexity; as a result, they lack some of the luster (and the vocals) associated with newer Delerium.
Which isn't to say that the Archives are bad - thy're not. But they are different. Fans of dark gothic music will enjoy the albums, and Delerium fans who appreciate all three post-1994 albums will hear the underlying sound they love forming in each of the tracks. The Archives are a practical solution to wanting more of the Delerium experience, and they deliver an enjoyable set of melodies. But those looking for more songs like "Silence," "Innocente," or "Euphoria" had best look elsewhere. Archives Vol. 1 & 2, while well-crafted albums in their own right, are not as accessible or as well-developed as Karma, Poem, or Semantic Spaces.
