Code Orange — The Above — Album Review
Metal | Hardcore
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
You know that I must have had a pretty hectic couple of weeks if the likes of Code Orange’s new album has been one that I’ve been sitting on for quite some time.
After all, the Pittsburgh hardcore outfit’s third studio album, titled Underneath, quickly took its place as my second favourite album of the entirety of 2020 (though looking back on ot now, I would actually say that it likely deserved the number 1 spot).
That aforementioned album saw the band truy evolve, especially in terms of their stylistic qualities. Through Underneath, Code Orange’s introduction of more electronic distortions, combined with their already unique and beloved hardcore sound allowed the band to stand distant from every other band and artists in that same stylistic sphere.
With all of that considered, it should come as no surprise that I was absolutely pumped for the arrival of the band’s brand new and fourth studio album. Almost as if to be an antithesis or sister project to the one that came before, the album we received was given the name of The Above.
First being teased by a duo of singles (those being “Grooming My Replacement” and “The Game”), Code Orange’s new material was looking to be even more out there, whilst simultaneously upping their musical quality overall.
My excitement for the album skyrocketed even further with the release of the band’s third teaser track “Take Shape” which not only came with the arrival of the album’s official announcement and title, but also a feature appearance from Billy Corgan of Smashing Pumpkins fame. Before I even listened to said track, I was intrigued to find out how the aforementioned combination of artists would work. Needless to say, however, this song was executed in fantastic fashion, with the more melodic elements of the track not overshadowing the more heavy undertones.
The final teaser to be released would be none other than “Mirror”, which came off as the token stripped back track that I knew would definitely diversify the full album more with its oddly gorgeous and clearly somber tones.
Not long after that, the time had come for The Above to arrive in full. And from the get-go, it felt clear that Code Orange were pushing themselves out further in regards to their style, chemistry, and musical craft. this resulted in a very versatile set of tracks, allowing The Above to instantly stand out amongst the rest of Code Orange’s discography.
Another word for versatile, however, is varied. And I feel that this is perhaps what can be said about the overall wow-factor of the tracks across the album. Don’t get me wrong; there are some absolute gems to uncover from this record. However, there are others that almost came across as a means for Code Orange to be more “contemporary” (for lack of a better term).
My personal favourite tracks to come out of this record seemed to be the ones that captured that essence of Underneath. And in my honest opinion, I felt that Code Orange didn’t necessarily need to push their style out as far forward as they did at this moment in time, as I believe the band reached the biggest stylistic peak thus far with their third album.
The later segment of the album especially came off as a bit shallow and underwhelming for me. And in terms of the overall way I received this mixed bag of an album, it seems that a lot of others agree.
It must be said though, that this is still another solid effort from the band, and their musical mastery is still more than present on the records best moments. But the moral of this album (in terms of the way I see it, at least) is that if it ain’t broke, there’s nood need to try and fix it.
Favourite Tracks: Theatre Of Cruelty | Take Shape | A Drone Opting Out Of The Hive | Grooming My Replacement
Least favourite Track: Circle Through
Blue Grape Music
