Slow Code- Wastelayer
Review by Brian Kim
Slow Code’s debut full length Wastelayer is a hard hitting, uncompromising expression of the aggressive despair involved with existing in the modern world. Pushing punk rock to a progressive limit, Slow Code expand upon the ideas of punk both musically and conceptually.
While Wastelayer holds on to a solid foundation of punk rock, the fast paced and aggressive rhythms, stripped down instrumentation, and a blistering, raw energy, Slow Code builds on this foundation to create something really special. There are the dynamic elements of post-punk, the evolved emotional aggression of post-hardcore, and a few times they briefly dip into the clever experimentation of prog or the sheer heaviness of doom or sludge.
Opening track “Access” is a short and sweet introduction to the record. Guitarist and vocalist Charlie Wagner unleashes explosive guitar riffs backed by the thundering bass of Amy Peterson and the ballistic assault of drummer Josh Hill. Wagner’s gritty, shouted vocals cut through the noisy instrumentation with a deep sense of frustration and bleak desperation. “No Grandchildren” is one of several standout tracks, setting itself apart from the furious barrages unleashed on bangers like “Destination Wedding” or “Shit Praxis” with a taut intensity and much more explorative songwriting. The record ends with the very intimate feeling “Flayer”, a rare hopeful moment amidst the darkness.
Thematically, Wastelayer brings the classic punk ethos of social and cultural unrest into a modern era. Ideas towards capitalist greed, technology, and cultural existentialism are explored and wrestled with. Over the course of these ten songs, Slow Code bares their anxiety towards the dystopian world which reality has become, while rallying the survivors against it.
The production of this record is beautiful and really adds to the depth of the songs. Recorded with engineer Nicholas Wilbur in Anacortes at The Unknown, (a re-purposed church turned recording studio) then mixed and mastered by Andrew Oswald of Oakland-based Secret Bathroom Studios, Wastelayer captures the raw ferocity of the band while sounding huge and open.
Wastelayer is out now on digitally and on beautiful 12-inch vinyl via Glory Kid Records. The band will be celebrating its release June 1st at the Sunset Tavern with Smooth Sailing, Post/Boredom, and Slumberbox.
https://slowcodewa.bandcamp.com/album/wastelayer
9pm // 21+ // $10 // Sunset Tavern // 5433 Ballard Ave NW
https://www.facebook.com/events/1632279730174719/
