Secret Archives of the Vatican were formed in 1988 by Vince Millett, who was joined in the early 1990s by Louis Counter. They were influenced by the clubs of the Asian Underground scene and also by artists such as Transglobal Underground and Bill Laswell.
The band’s music is usually described as Transglobal Breakbeat Dub Science, as it contains elements of many genres: breakbeat, dub, dubstep, drumstep, triphop, drum and bass, Indian, Arabian and Turkish musical forms and much more. Secret Archives started releasing music during the cassette trader scene and released several cassettes and, later, CDRs and CDs, also contributing to compilation CDs in several countries. They have provided mixes for radio shows across the world, from the BBC to Egyptian and Eastern European shows. In recent years they have been prolific, with many releases available on all major streaming and download sites.
‘…a honed instrumental force designed to crush unsuspecting dancefloors…’ The Groove Thief
‘…Some of those guys in that band are potentially old enough to be your grandad!’ Bobby Friction, BBC Asian Network.
‘CAUTION! DO NOT TURN UP THE BASS – your face will melt off your skull.’
Tom Gregory, drummer
‘It is one of the most solid bands in the whole scene, usually compared with Sub Swara or Chase and Status…’
Tropical Bass
‘…sounds that are pretty much in a world of their own.’
Generation Bass
‘Reminds me of the scatty Dutch breakcore that used to make Mumma Splooge hit the living room ceiling with a pool cue, but yet mellow enough to be able to enjoy it without the aid of horse tranquillisers.’
Splooge
See the Releases page for details of downloads and CDs, or listen to some tunes on our Listen page.