Whenever a band decides to ‘reinvent’ themselves it’s usually always met with disarray amongst their legions of fans. It either means there is a genuine reason for new artistic merit they want to implement, or they simply want to make a few extra bucks. Codeseven were once a hardcore band, but now they have more in common with Damian Rice than Darkest Hour and ‘Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds’ is sweeping, atmospheric and almost epic in form and pulls off the relaxed and mellow end of the punk spectrum rather well.
From start to finish the attempt is made to immerse the listener within a world where there are no bills to pay, no deadlines to achieve and no girlfriend nagging at you. For the most part it succeeds as it ranges from the stunning and eye opening ‘Roped and Tied’ to the dark meandering ‘Sunflower’. The only real criticism you can level at the piece is that it maybe strives to be something more than it actually is. While the mellowing air of tranquillity is something different in today’s world of silky screaming, at times sections can sound slightly forced. Without the aid of the electronic samples, it would equate to nothing more than an average indie affair that would sparkle less than the current bright light the band are shining.
As for the rest of the album, well it’s rather good. The vocals are clear, crisp and suit the angle put forward very well. The music performed other than that of keyboard is also suitably melodic and the arrangements are beautifully pieced together with obvious thought being put into the process of construction. From the drum and bass backbeats of ‘Pathetic Justice‘ to the rousing chorus of ‘All the Best Dreams’, there is barely a bad apple in site.
Coupled with the superb artwork and package as a whole, it is understandable why Equal Vision picked up the option of Codeseven as the binary opposition to some of their more brutal bands. With the only minor quibble being the one-dimensional face of the twelve tracks, you can’t help but feel they have gotten out of jail with the tight song writing and pristine production of the tracks on display. All in all one, for the mellow heads out there, looking for the perfect hangover music to wake you up and put a glow on your face for the day.
Jay
www.codesevenmusic.com
Equal Vision