Sudan Archives’ Violin Opus for the Club: A Must-Listen
My introduction to Sudan Archives was the song “Nont for Sale” from her first EP Sink in 2018. I’ve been a diehard fan ever since. With each album, she finds new ways to sculpt the sound of her violin, contorting it in defiance of expectations.
A New Sound for the Dance Floor
However, The BPM has identifiable violin passages, but it fully embraces the more technological elements of Sudan Archives’ sound. The album opens with “Dead,” which begins with gentle orchestral swells and a processed, but identifiable violin.
Consequently, the beat drops at the 1:30 mark, what sounds like high-pitched vocal chops dance around the stereo field, and an undulating synth bass drags the whole thing to the dance floor.
A Volatile Tour of Dance Music
Meanwhile, the tempo on The BPM is generally amped up compared to much of Archives’ previous records. But it’s not all club bangers. “Come and Find You,” winks at the ’80s and early ’90s R&B of acts like Sade.
Moreover, the lyrics turn to matters of the heart, “I found a way to travel to you even when we’re not in sync, I’m gonna find my way back to you, Even when it’s really hard I like the push and pull,” she sings on “David & Goliath.”
A Dense and Hectic Record
Therefore, The BPM is a dense, hectic record that revels in its unpredictability and sonic shrapnel. It’s also my favorite record of 2025. Despite only coming out in mid-October, it was my most listened to album according to my Apple Music Recap.
In addition, Sudan Archives’ The BPM is available on Bandcamp and most streaming services, including Qobuz, Tidal, Apple Music, Deezer, YouTube Music, and Spotify.
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