C.O.D.E – 'No Excuses': Rock from a different point of view

The time has come for Culture Of Digital Elegance (C.O.D.E), to complete a journey they began unfolding before our eyes almost 2 years ago. The band from Athens have presented their new LP titled, “No Excuses”, which was released on October 15th 2021.

Rock sound with electronic elements

The Culture Of Digital Elegance (C.O.D.E) were formed in Athens in 2008. Their sound includes a blend of electronic and rock sounds with plenty of alternative and progressive character elements. They consist of Βίκυ Φυσίκα (vocals, lyrics), Γιάννης Κατσαρός (guitars, backing vocals, lyrics), Μίλτος Σχηματαριώτης (Synthesizers) and Ηλίας Γούλας (drums).

We can already glean something about their style from the band's very name, after all!

Their style is evident from their first LP, released in 2008 and titled after their own name, while in 2009 some tracks from that record were reworked by electronic music producer Geedel , resulting in the release of an EP called "4 on the floor". In 2013 they released "Machine EP", while in 2015, following changes to their sound with the addition of real drums, they released the single "Imperfect Love”.

Music with plenty of different elements

The "No Excuses", includes 10 tracks, of which the last 4 (Words-City Polluted-Stain-No Excuses) reached our ears gradually through Singles and Lyric Videos. This way we managed to get a picture of the style and mood of the upcoming album. Alternative Rock, but certainly not just that. All the musical influences of its creators, all their sonic and arrangement explorations and experiments, come together in a release with entirely live drums and bass. This is also the element that sets them apart from their electronic past, without completely abandoning it, though.

The album includes collaborations with excellent musicians, such as the one with Raphael Weinroth –Browne (Leprous, The Visit, Kamancello, Musk Ox), who plays cello on the track Begin. Bass was played by: Χρήστος Κόλλιας (Sinner Art, Begin, Perfect Toy, Change, Stay Away, Prisoner), Βύρωνας Τσουράπης (Words, City Polluted) and Κυριάκος Ιγγλέσης (Stain, No Excuses).

All these collaborations show the broad scope of C.O.D.E's musical outlook. C.O.D.E. The band wants to present something different, and along the way, they take us on a journey through a world full of sounds we know, combined in an entirely new way. It's certainly a major element of the style of 'No Exscuses' — the creation of new sounds, which ultimately come about in various ways. From the use of classical instruments to the incorporation of new rhythms and effects.

'No Excuses': A philosophy of life

The Culture Of Digital Elegance, almost impose on themselves the "No Excuses" as a life principle, as a need to overcome any numbness and any inertia caused by this incomprehensible era we live in. The choice and inspiration behind the lyrics obviously couldn't have gone down different paths. Analysis of social issues, references to personal experiences, but also to the fragile relationship with their art. And an angel on the cover, worn out and dormant, just before he too decides, no excuses, to finally spread his wings.

Credits

The cover photo is the work of Τάσος Βρεττός. The album's composition and production were handled by C.O.D.E, lyrics by Γιάννης Κατσαρός and Βίκυ Φυσίκα (Sinner Art, City Polluted), recording took place at Northside Music Productions Studio & Sierra Studios, mixing by Γιάννης Κατσαρός and mastering by Μίλτος Σχηματαριώτης at Northside Music Productions Studio.

Editor's Choice: 'Perfect Toy' and 'Prisoner'

'No Excuses' gave me quite a hard time picking a track or tracks to recommend! I did end up settling on two that I think stand out quite a bit musically. Starting with 'Perfect Toy', we have a track that's atmospheric on one hand and dynamic on the other. This combination makes it stand out, while the use of keys in the verse shifts the dynamics quite intensely. An excellent track, one that in quality and sound has nothing to envy from Muse's equivalents.

You have satisfied their need

and now you bleed

Fear is all that's left in you,

but you must let it go,

now that they don't know,

now that they don't know

It was the challenge you would crave

You were set never to fail

You are mama's perfect boy

and the nation's golden toy

In 'Prisoner' we have a much darker track that definitely carries Depeche Mode influences. It gives off an intense electronic texture, something highlighted further by the effects on the vocals. The intensity rises quite a bit in the chorus, while at the same time there are some very interesting musical themes that stretch throughout the track's entire length.

Ηold my restless soul

Where is everybody going?

Where has everybody been?

Do I have to stay and watch?

Will this glass world, hold my restless soul in?

Cause I am nothing but a prisoner here doing time

It is time to realize the trouble within inner tears

Cause I have to pay the price of innocence in hopes and fears

Album Tracks:

1. Sinner Art
2. Begin
3. Perfect Toy
4. Change
5. Stay Away
6. Prisoner
7. Words
8. City Polluted
9. Stain
10. No Excuses

In conclusion

The C.O.D.E are a very distinctive band that combines electronic and rock sound. Their productions are very polished, and that of course doesn't change with 'No Excuses' either. Overall, this is a focused outfit with a clearly defined style of its own, one that doesn't try to follow any existing musical norm, at least not one from the Greek scene. The album is an interesting collection that will show you rock isn't limited to the genres we already know, but can take on many interesting forms. Enjoy it without reservations!