Do you like punk? If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you will like The Code's EP,  ‘Rhetoric of Reason.’  If your answer is ‘bananas,’ then you're probably answering the wrong question and should pay attention to one conversation at a time.  Now lets not start one of those stupid pretentious debates on what ‘punk’ is and the wide variety of differences between the genre that's supposedly been destroyed by modern music.  I don't really care for that debate.  For purposes of this article, The Code is a punk band.

These guys have a great deal of energy and I see no problems in their tactics, considering the musical genre they are trying to succeed in.  Lyrics about revolution/rebellion?  Check.  That three-chord progression that punk is absolutely notorious for? Check.  Speedy drums?  Check.  

The opening ‘Know Your Enemy,’  is a strong track, clearly drawing elements from known punk-rock acts such as Pennywise.  ‘The Pace’ is a mite slower, yet retains the same energy that you'd expect from a quality band.  The most notable track on this EP, by far, is ‘Break the Silence.’  I am not a punk-rock fan but this song almost made me one...almost. Technically admirable and tight as a clenched gorilla’s fist, this track has a distinct sound that proves The Code's ability to not only play their instruments, but also the innovation to make a punk song that doesn't sound exactly like what I've already heard before. 

In this sentence, I give you props, The Code.  The final track is a cover of Operation Ivy's ‘Unity.’  Not much to say about this track- it's a cover.  It's well done.  That's about it.  

There's also a ‘hidden track’ at the end of the CD but I guess I just ruined  the surprise for everyone.  All in all, it's a solid EP.  Each song fits snugly in the 2-3 minute mark, thus further proving my hypothesis that punk bands explode into flames if any song goes over two minutes and fifty-nine seconds.

Sure to please: non-pretentious punk fans.  People with a lot of energy.  Operation Ivy fans. 

Sure to disappoint: Rap fans.  pretentious punk fans(you know who you are).
 

The Code -  Rhetoric of Reason
Rating: 

Listen to Samples and Purchase This CD online

Visit the official website for more on the band and their new CD!