Code Orange – The Above
Code Orange – The Above
Blue Grape Music
Release Date: 29/09/2023
Running Time: 52:00
Review by Rory Bentley
10/10
What do you do when you’ve followed up a seminal game-changing record with an even better record but COVID completely fucked up your ability to promote and tour it properly? Well if you’re Code Orange you turn up 3 years later and release another classic. Cos that’s what’s happened here.
If you’ve read a decent chunk of my reviews you’ll have perhaps noticed that I need little encouragement to crowbar a Code Orange reference in, normally when holding them up as an example of what a modern heavy band should be. As with any band that receive significant critical acclaim, they also have their detractors who either think they’re overrated (subjective) or get annoyed because they’re betraying their Hardcore roots (you’re a fucking baby), but they are impossible to ignore. I will do my level best to not let my Stan-dom compromise the journalistic integrity of this review but in all candour if shit’s fire I’m gonna say it’s fire. And “The Above” is straight fire.
To use another band I Stan hard for in Faith No More, I would compare 2020’s “Underneath” and “The Above” to the 90s Alt legend’s “Angel Dust” and “King For A Day Fool For A Lifetime” respectively. The former is a kaleidoscopic, almost impenetrable mutant fusion of genre and structure that is unlike anything else, the latter is an eclectic smorgasbord of genre hopping that feels like someone has hit shuffle on their vast iTunes library. Both are audio monuments to fearless exploration and both are rammed from back to front with cast-iron classic songs.
While it is true “The Above” feels more easy to digest on a cursory listen than its predecessor, it is just as layered and dense if you really want to dig in below the often surprisingly accessible surface. ‘The Mask Of Sanity Slips’ for example, bears a clear lineage to the Industrial, textured aggression of “Underneath’s ” denser moments as does the nightmarish ‘A Drone Opting Out Of The Hive’ but there are many songs that seem almost pleasant and simple that have just as much depth and replay value.
The Triphop, Pop-inflected ‘Mirror’ features some lush soundscapes and a genuinely beautiful vocal performance from guitarist Reba Myers, who really establishes herself as one of modern Rock’s finest singers. The song can be enjoyed as a gorgeous melancholic Pop number but if you want to really dive in then the beats, arrangements and sound design are as cerebral and hypnotic as the likes of Aphex Twin and Autechra. Likewise Alt-Rock banger ‘Circle Through’ hits like a lost Smashing Pumpkins radio hit at first, but repeated listens reveal it is bolstered by dense and sinister electronics and swirling layered vocals that sound more suited for a horror score. Actually, while we’re on the subject of Smashing Pumpkins I’d be remiss not to mention the Billy Corgan-featuring ‘Take Shape’ which feels like a modern classic as Jamie Morgan puts in a commanding Trent Reznor-esque performance behind the mic on yet another song that caters for both head-nodding and chin-stroking.
The band still carve out a space on the record to prove that they can still have everyone on toast when it comes to straight-up nasty Hardcore, with ‘The Game’ and ‘Grooming My Replacement’ bringing all the brutality of “I Am King” and “Forever’s” heavier moments. Though even this double helping of two-step fodder is still intricate and idiosyncratic enough to leave anyone going in blind under no illusion of the band making this squealing nightmarish racket. Having Steve Albini on engineering duties also doesn’t hurt if your objective is ear-splitting rawness as well.
There really is something for everyone on here if you’re willing to take the journey and the eerie Cliping-esque Horrorcore of ‘Snapshot’ is certainly a journey, with all the drama of a great slasher movie. As things close out with the eclectic majesty of ‘But A Dream…’ and the brooding title track it feels like another triumph. “The Above” is a daring, boundlessly creative album that demands a lot but gives so much back. In an era where genre boundaries are becoming more and more blurred for a generation that has access to the entire history of recorded sound in the palm of their hands, it makes sense that a band as ambitious and fearless as Code Orange are there to show us what happens when you rip up the rule book and let your imagination run wild.
Code Orange Take Shape (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
https://youtu.be/X-C5ug_-u-8?si=iWlP7scQFK00nQi0
TRACKLISTING:
01. Never Far Apart
02. Theatre Of Cruelty
03. Take Shape
04. The Mask of Sanity Slips
05. Mirror
06. A Drone Opting Out Of The Hive
07. I Fly
08. Splinter The Soul
09. The Game
10. Grooming My Replacement
11. Snapshot
12. Circle Through
13. But A Dream…
14. The Above
LINE-UP:
Eric Balderose – vocals, keyboards, programming, guitars, production
Reba Meyers – vocals, guitars
Jami Morgan – vocals, production
Joe Goldman – bass
Dominic Landolina – vocals, guitars
Max Portnoy – drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Rory Bentley and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
