Album Review: Coded Marking – Coded Marking (Self Released)

Coded Marking, the minimalist post punk band from Leeds are back with their brand-new self-titled album. It will be self-released digitally and on cassette on October 11th, 2024.

Having left a very strong impression with their debut self-titled EP in 2021, it’s great to see Coded Marking return. What’s even better is the fact that they return with a full album, one with hypnotic capabilities, no small amount of weirdness, and plenty of post-punk excitability. All of which is front and centre with Zero Sum. Coded Marking unleashing a smothering display of discombobulating instrumental sounds and dynamic vocals, wrapped up in a punky rhythm that you can’t help but tap your foot too.

Predissolve is next and proves to be one of the album’s strongest efforts with its infectious vibe. Showcasing repetitive guitar melody, a disciplined drum beat and thick bassy thrums that vibrate throughout the body. Fans of the 2021 EP will recognise this one, but Coded Marking have taken what they did there and expanded upon it in impressive style.

Having given listeners plenty of reasons to groove so far, Coded Marking make sure that continues to be a major faucet to their sound as the album goes on. Even when the guitars ring out loudly on a rocking number like Amnesty and a track like Neon Cross goes hard in pure punk-driven fashion.

A thick sheen of alt certainly doesn’t do these tracks, or the following erratic sound of Last Floor any harm. Here, more than at any other point, does the disharmony of Coded Marking’s instrumental synchronisation sound so very clever. Which really does sum up this record and the enjoyable music that Coded Marking make. It’s why a big blast of oddness like the finale of Fade to Ground, one that is as dynamic as it is delicate, sounds as necessary as everything else.

Coded Marking – Coded Marking Track Listing:

1. Zero Sum
2. Predissolve
3. Amnesty
4. Neon Cross
5. Last Floor
6. Fade To Ground

Links

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