Cody - Stillpoint Primer

  by Chris Jones

published: 17 / 12 / 2001

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First, I feel I have to admit that if I didn't already know about Cody and someone had given me the typical "quicky" description of the music on this album, I probably would not have listened to it. I say that in case I fail to get across what I hope to in this review and inadvertently turn someone away from listening to this album - it might end up being one of my favorites of 2000. I've read reviews in which Cody's sound is simply described as "80's influenced British synth-pop with programmed beats". While I can't say that that description is wrong, it's the kind of description that could have led me to pass this album by and that would have been wrong. Fortunately, I don't read reviews very often, I have faith in certain labels putting out music I like, and I had bought the earlier Cody releases, so I had a feeling that it was worth taking a listen. I've had the CD for 3 days now and I've listened to it in my car, at work, in my room, and on my headphones. I've yet to hit the skip button on a single track. Cody's music has a subtlety and tone/mood to it that is quite soothing, yet engaging. There aren't many bands that can write 6 minute pop songs that keep my attention, but Cody is able to do this. Their songs build and flow in such a way that 6 minutes seem to pass by effortlessly. The synths provide much of the melody and are also used to add texture to the songs. The programmed beats tend to be pretty simple, but they provide an upbeat energy that counters the somewhat droney synth parts. The vocals are typically quite soft with an affected delivery that conveys a fair bit of emotion, yet they never become melodramatic. Cody manages to incorporate spacey/droney tones that make me think of Slowdive, a bit of post rock ala Bark Psychosis, the housey beats of New Order, and a lot of other elements that I could "name drop" about, but I'll spare you and Cody that treat. What I'm trying to say is that Cody provides a wide spectrum of sounds and does so in a style that is both familiar and distinctly their own. I think that last part is what makes Cody so engaging and why a description like "80's influenced British synth-pop with programmed beats" is both right and wrong. While for some bands that description tells 98% of the story, that's not the case here. Cody is doing something unique, subtle, and often beautiful. If you don't believe me, then give this album a listen.

Track Listing:-

1 Never Expect Any More
2 August Song
3 Ideas Are Allies
4 Sleepy Park Royal
5 From The Edge Of Maps
6 Headlights Rush Forever
7 Ghost Shakers
8 Stickleback
9 Chromophone
10 Black Wings In A Blue Sky
11 Multimedia Section For PC CD Rom

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