code ascending - what i choose to forget EP

code ascending 

​what i choose to forget EP
self-released; 2016

3.7 out of 5

By Mike Pryzgoda
​

What I Choose To Forget is an EP from Code Ascending and works as an excellent shoegaze record influenced strongly by My Bloody Valentine. The songs exist between the sonic screams of feedback and howls paired with catchy and memorable melodies.

From the clean Smiths-like vocal and drum tone of “You'd Say” to Joy Formidable drenched guitar tones of “Blink,” Code Ascending blends uptempo rockers against swirling pensive tracks. “I Wish I” has a great contrast in the buzzsaw bass against the clean vocals, excellent drum flourishes and a fantastic build in the bridge/outro.

It is slotted as the second song on the EP, but could possibly serve as the opener; it's that strong. “All Falls” could be an unreleased Garbage track with a new vocalist. The industrial grind combined with post-rock keeps a modern sensibility around a classic sound.

Some songs go on a bit long. “Evolution”has a sustained high-pitched guitar whine and laid back groove that explodes into heavier rock. It starts out strong but ends up feeling stretched out too far.

The synth-y guitar tones on “No More” that take a break for the hi-hat groove is clever but the song becomes a bit repetitive. The opening track sounds huge but the drums never quite line up with the guitar/bass changes and thus never quite grooves. Thankfully this is only an issue on this song.

There's a lot of energy and ideas from Code Ascending. As they evolve, solidify and edit they hold great promise for an amazing full-length album.

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