Code500
Northampton isn’t typically known as the birth place of alternative rock n roll, but the chaps in Code500 are setting out to change that with their music designed to bridge the gap between electronica and the power of traditional rock n roll. Described as delivering a massive wall of sound, these guys got in touch about some of their sounds on their soundcloud page to see what we thought, and being the ever helpful chaps (and chapettes) we are here at Loud-Stuff, we plugged in to check out what was going on!
Opening with Red Flag there’s a surprisingly laid back approach to things to get things going, not hammering onwards as I had expected them to. Soft vocals work with the acoustic guitar work to build a sound which is laid back and chilled out, yet still manages to sound upbeat and happy, achieving a depth which you wouldn’t expect on a track which sounds like this. Continuing to build, there’s a real sense that the track is growing around you, incorporating electronic elements to the track to bolster it as the guitar work roves around, the drums backing everything up and forging onwards into an uptempo beat fuelled melee. Showing off their electronic elements as the track grows, I really like the way this seems to move from soft to more upbeat, showing the intentions of the band and forming a track which crosses genres, achieves new levels and stands these guys out as a band to check out. Amnesia follows the same sort of conventions, opening soft and melodic but suggesting there is far more to come from the track than what you first hear. Once again incorporating the electronic elements to add a sense of uplifting beats to things, this track stands out once again as something which doesn’t follow convention, instead roving between genres to create a unique sound which quite simply, works.
Trips To Heaven seems to mark a slight change in the outlook of the band, this time opening with a slow and soft build up which fully accentuates the coming track. Electronic elements fuse together with guitar elements and tribal style drumming to form into something which seems to engulf you, drawing you in to listen harder and forming a sound which is impossible to ignore. This is music which you want to close your eyes to, it simply paints a picture in your head and allows you some time out, shutting down your mind for the duration and immersing you in a sense of upbeat calm. Personally, this was my favourite track from the selection, there was just something about the cool and calm approach which really stood out to me, setting these guys apart as a band to check out for sure.
Dazed & Confused follows on next and once again shows off the roots of the band, opening with their electronic approach and setting up a track which immediately brought about images of underwater scenes, before shifting into a more mainstream friendly track. This is the sort of track which stands these guys out from the crowd, showing that they’re able to take a sound and turn it from something which will appeal to a niche market, and make it something which will appeal to a cross over of genre fans, somehow combining that rock element with the electronic approach to form something which could happily receive some serious airplay on the radio. It’s only left then to Telepathy to close the selection from the band, finishing on another electronic edge and showing off the ability of a band that understand their approach with aplomb. Slower and more emotionally charged, there’s something about the closing moments of this track which once again encouraged me to close my eyes to simply sit and listen, a solid close to a good selection from the guys in Code500.
I didn’t really know what to expect from a band who were merging electronic with rock n roll, but the result is something pretty cool. I like that this doesn’t follow convention and instead, carves a unique path into music which is going to surprise and confound at each term, whilst still managing to keep you listening. What Code500 have produced are tracks which show off their style, their approach, and do it with aplomb. If you’re into the electronic side of things then definitely check these guys out, but even if you’re not – give it a go – they might surprise you.
To find out more about Code500, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening with Red Flag there’s a surprisingly laid back approach to things to get things going, not hammering onwards as I had expected them to. Soft vocals work with the acoustic guitar work to build a sound which is laid back and chilled out, yet still manages to sound upbeat and happy, achieving a depth which you wouldn’t expect on a track which sounds like this. Continuing to build, there’s a real sense that the track is growing around you, incorporating electronic elements to the track to bolster it as the guitar work roves around, the drums backing everything up and forging onwards into an uptempo beat fuelled melee. Showing off their electronic elements as the track grows, I really like the way this seems to move from soft to more upbeat, showing the intentions of the band and forming a track which crosses genres, achieves new levels and stands these guys out as a band to check out. Amnesia follows the same sort of conventions, opening soft and melodic but suggesting there is far more to come from the track than what you first hear. Once again incorporating the electronic elements to add a sense of uplifting beats to things, this track stands out once again as something which doesn’t follow convention, instead roving between genres to create a unique sound which quite simply, works.
Trips To Heaven seems to mark a slight change in the outlook of the band, this time opening with a slow and soft build up which fully accentuates the coming track. Electronic elements fuse together with guitar elements and tribal style drumming to form into something which seems to engulf you, drawing you in to listen harder and forming a sound which is impossible to ignore. This is music which you want to close your eyes to, it simply paints a picture in your head and allows you some time out, shutting down your mind for the duration and immersing you in a sense of upbeat calm. Personally, this was my favourite track from the selection, there was just something about the cool and calm approach which really stood out to me, setting these guys apart as a band to check out for sure.
Dazed & Confused follows on next and once again shows off the roots of the band, opening with their electronic approach and setting up a track which immediately brought about images of underwater scenes, before shifting into a more mainstream friendly track. This is the sort of track which stands these guys out from the crowd, showing that they’re able to take a sound and turn it from something which will appeal to a niche market, and make it something which will appeal to a cross over of genre fans, somehow combining that rock element with the electronic approach to form something which could happily receive some serious airplay on the radio. It’s only left then to Telepathy to close the selection from the band, finishing on another electronic edge and showing off the ability of a band that understand their approach with aplomb. Slower and more emotionally charged, there’s something about the closing moments of this track which once again encouraged me to close my eyes to simply sit and listen, a solid close to a good selection from the guys in Code500.
I didn’t really know what to expect from a band who were merging electronic with rock n roll, but the result is something pretty cool. I like that this doesn’t follow convention and instead, carves a unique path into music which is going to surprise and confound at each term, whilst still managing to keep you listening. What Code500 have produced are tracks which show off their style, their approach, and do it with aplomb. If you’re into the electronic side of things then definitely check these guys out, but even if you’re not – give it a go – they might surprise you.
To find out more about Code500, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls