TIC CODE

— First review of this album —

Incredibly exciting beats, complicated movements, and energetic vibes ... "Fbccade" released in front of us upon the last day of 2005 is only one creation so far by an Oregon-oriented heavy post / math quartet (despite the delicate flavour and taste through Oregon wine :P) TIC CODE. The 35-minute-long storytelling tastes deep, depressive, and dignified all over. Such a nervous atmosphere shows us kind of freshness and fruitfulness regardless of an album coming up over fifteen years ago. Contrary to such a wonderful performance on this opus, we can easily guess there was another conflict or struggle amongst them, all of whom are artists full of technique and full of sensitivity.

The first "Exembox" is crazy from the beginning. Massive dissonance all around the track is comfortable for us. Explosive power via the four instruments is another key. Challenging phrases flooded with ultimate metallic potentiality knock us out perfectly. We cannot help listening to this giant without any breath. An excessive first shot beyond expression. Afte "Skeletons", more stabilized and polished on their soundscape, strictly hard loud machine gun bullets come one after another in "Brain Buster" suitable for the sound essence. There are many heavy dizzy attacks even for only three or more minutes. "Canker Sore City" is another flavourful danger. Simple repetitive guitar words based upon deep poisonous bass shots and percussive, strained drumming. Sounds like they claim lots in this track. Not so complex but impressive really.

We can hear enjoyable but perplexing elements via "Chicken Refrigerator". Pleasant crispy guitar paragraphs are quite charming but some lazy, crazy footprints can be grasped in some points. Heavy mathy moments are priceless as well. The longest one (also the title) "The Second Stanza Of The Tony Danza Tap Dance Extravaganza" reminds us of some depressive moves like 90s grunge rock outfits (or AxCx). "Swedish Fish" is a unification of simplicity and complexity. We can find some poppy, catchy hints here and there but basically grunge-y, shoegaze-y kinky ones. Of course their sound kink is mystic, and the last beautiful moments are our oases. The last "Crunchy Air" notifies us of their unclear future. Dark, slowtempo, convincing melody lines sound a bit sorrowful and anxious. Unstable rhythm and monotonous manner would make us feel so. The latter part involves deeper, heavier texture especially with rigid but fractured guitar play. So sorry to hear such musical instability.

At any rate, it's a pity they could not launch anything but "Fbccade", a superb creation.