Reviewed by Alan Smith

If I was able to, I'd classify this as alternative rock, rather than just plain rock, Code Of Ethics have come up with a brilliantly worked album which keeps a long tradition of musical scoff from Nashville on the hot plate. The mixtures of arrangement, writing and musicianship draw eclectically from far and near - BeBop DeLuxe, Lennonesque vocals, heavy metal traces all show through while there's a kind of Vocoder treatment being used to really enhance Barry Blaze's idiosyncratic voice. Although scripturally there's nothing there, I can see that the platform of lyrics could easily leave space for testimony; I just hope these guys do so with the live work. It would be interesting to hear how the Code make out on a big stage - the studio version creates loads of contrasts and space, which is very often lost on tour. The craft of engineering, clearly defined frequencies, phrases, spaces and dynamics is among the best perfected I have ever heard. I would happily use this album as a lecture tool along with Hugh Padgham; it's that good. And the cover design matches this standard too. Whatcha waitin' for - go get hooked!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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