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Codeseven is, much like Cave In, one of those often-referenced bands that has radically altered their sound over the course of their releases. The group started as a far-reaching, melodic metal/hardcore band, but shed their burly exterior and went in an entirely different direction on The Rescue. The album was released in 2002 and featured a reinvented Codeseven -- a Codeseven that put more effort into building an expansive atmosphere than crushing listeners with direct force.
While the band's new effort, Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds, doesn't present as radical of a musical shift as The Rescue did, it does see Codeseven evolving and falling comfortably into their own. Singer Jeff Jenkins sounds appropriately relaxed behind the microphone and the soaring vocal hooks are only intensified when placed in the context of his usually soft presence. The Rescue was a spacey and atmospheric venture, but it's riff-heavy in comparison to the band's latest material. Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds is heavily populated with a wide variety of electronic effects and void of most every heavy influence.
And although distorted guitars play a smaller role, Codeseven's music is just as, if not more, involving as any of their previous material. One of the record's strongest assets is its ability to flow through different moods as it progresses. While there are some middle-of-the-road songs herein, a number of them are simply heart-warming and others are frighteningly dark. "Roped and Tied" is a dreamy song with an indescribable warmth to it. The minimal percussion and guitar strumming complement Jenkins' soft, mid-ranged singing, and his return to the line, "and I think it's going to give me a heart attack," sounds too sincere to fake. On the other hand, "The Devil's Interval," excluding its electronic interlude that would fit well in a cheesy 80s film, plods along with a brooding, dark aura.
"Sunflower" is the riff-heavy song of Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds, and it ultimately alternates between the band's work on The Rescue and their newfound curiosity in electronics. While the aforementioned songs have some especially unique qualities, the record in its entirety is something special. Every song is highly varied and involving, but focused and not overdone. This is an album that one can close his or her eyes to and simply allow the character and personality of the music to fill in the darkness.
Surely this album is not for everyone. Codeseven doesn't violate any speed limits along the way and instead sticks to medium or slow paces. They also aren't an immediately striking band and tend to build songs over time. As such, patience is a necessity in truly experiencing Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds.
Codeseven has developed into a full-fledged, unique band with Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds. Following Codeseven's progress is a mildly stressful decision in that one never really knows what to expect. But, as is the case with Dancing Echoes/Dead Sounds, the band always seems to come through and deliver creative music with the personality to attract listeners of all sorts. This record is not to be missed.
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