Search - Archetribe :: Waterworks

Organic bliss

spiral_mind | Pennsylvania | 10/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's always a treat when an unexpected project comes basically out of nowhere and turns out to be really great. It's even better when there's a just-as-good followup to prove the first one wasn't a fluke. Enter Waterworks. This is another instrumental bunch of exotic world-beat textures to drown in, and though the overall sound is largely tribal/atmospheric (I hate such limiting labels), the range is wider and the overall experience is more multifaceted than before. There's still no shortage of alluringly hypnotic percussion - largely ethnic with more subtle electronic tones this time - and the ingredients range from guitar to flute, bass, violin, synth and sitar. If the last album could be described as David Sylvian with a tribal edge, this one is more like Brian Eno inviting Steve Roach, Peter Gabriel and Jon Hassell over for dinner, with Bill Laswell bringing dessert and Robert Fripp crashing the party (or at least lurking in the bushes). And athough I heartily recommend Archetribe to fans of any of the above, it still doesn't *sound* like any of them - which of course is as it should be.



Where the last album was always concise, the tracks on Waterworks get to nicely stretch out and breathe, whether it's for four minutes or seven or fifteen. We wander through much more territory with two CDs to spread out over: one prominently tribal/rhythmic, one mainly ambient although it still has some percussion grooves. Disc 1 is great for the car or the office (especially with headphones - that aural detail! those textures!); disc 2 is perfect for reading or settling down to sleep or just taking a break from all the noise. Whether it's background, foreground, in-depth listening or ear candy on the surface, this stuff will reward whatever time & attention you give it. It's easy to get lost in all the sounds and grooves, but it's a good kind of lost. I usually don't want to come back."

Beautiful follow-up

Ron West | 10/20/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Waterworks, the second release from Archetribe, is a 2 disc set that explores a musical voyage from the World Beat to ambient drones. The songs expand the sonic territory explored in their first album, Earthtones, for a powerful and passionate journey. The cultural melting pot of the first disc builds the listener up for a relaxing journey through disc 2. Not only are the songs written with expertise, but the sounds, mix and production are all outstanding. Sit back, clear your mind, put on your favorite headphones and be prepared for a journey through the oceans and rivers of your mind. Highly recommended!"