Heartfelt harmonic evolution and transcendent times have made Arkivist a power trio that defies expectations and leaves listeners with an aural experience they can’t forget. As the band’s name suggests, this is timeless and multi-faceted music you’ll want to save and savor- from their compelling new compositions (recorded with The Killers/Two Door Cinema Club/Silversun Pickups producer, Math Bishop in Los Angeles, where they’ve resided for the past year) to the rapturous material of their early incarnation, when they were one of Portland’s most vital young acts. The transition to a new band, new city, and new sound -which maintains the power of their previous output, only with a more honed thematic perspective and production value- wasn’t simple or easy. It was dramatic and destined. Black eyes, bruised knuckles, and broken glass marked the end of the three- piece’s final night of tour as Rags & Ribbons almost two years ago. It was a long and grueling trip, and despite enthusiastic feedback, the guys were feeling contentious towards each other and basically burnt out. They took a break and months later, at a farmhouse in the rainy winter woods outside of Oregon, the three members (guitarist Ben Weyerhaeuser, keyboardist Jonny Hicks and drummer Chris Neff) reconnected with each other, found new inspiration, and formed Arkivist. Much of what was special about their previous work remains. Each musician contributes to the song-writing. Notably, all three members trade off lead vocal duties. Most of their songs weave all three voices together at once, a symphonic assault of emotive melodies and harmonies which often reach a compelling choral crescendo. No surprise Arkivist’s members have classical and music theory backgrounds. Ben and Jon met singing in choirs and a capella groups in college. Chris came into the fold later, adding some rhythmic progression to the mix and an equally strong vocal contribution. Arkivist’s neo-progressive pop melds modern sensibility with classical textures not heard by many new bands these days. It’s not a stretch to compare them to classic music gods of yore like Queen and more current purveyors of innovative, alt-pop like Foals and Phantogram. A gift for hooks, catchy choruses, and lyrical explorations mostly dealing with cultural observation and the human experience give Arkivist a universal appeal, as heard on the atmospheric track “Burnout” and the brand new anthem, “Western Children”, which delves into issues of equality and sexuality. The band’s live show reflects their unique and progressive approach. Each member not only holds his own in the vocal spotlight at various points within their set, but also provides a visceral release via their own drums, playing in unison during their most bombastic song build-ups. There’s a tension and depth about the group that comes from its members disparate backgrounds and individual talents; how they view the world, themselves and their music. They are in fact, real archivists in this sense, examining life, interpreting it their own individual ways, putting it all together and documenting the result with their art. Playing venues across the country throughout their career and more recently in their current home of Los Angeles (at well-known clubs including The Satellite, The Bootleg, and Hotel Café, to name a few) the band continues to grow and mature. Experimenting in the studio with Bishop has seen their sound reach entrancing new heights. Arkivist are now primed and ready for the next phase, which promises a widening fanbase, evocative new music and more affecting life moments to inspire it all.