Source Tags & Codes [Extra tracks]

More accessible than predeccessor 'Madonna', 'Source..' is an album that can lilt and rock in equal measures, part Sonic Youth and part Mudhoney an intelligent sound and lyrical content transfer well from the now legendary and incendiary live performances. Those who were worried about the band 'selling out' to a major label need'nt of worried, the result is a cohesive album from a band who seem to have found their niche (no 'nu-' or 'post-' references in sight). My advice go out and buy it's worth the effort.

Previously they have shown their potential, namely with the headline track of their last album, 'Mistakes & Regrets'. Now the band have matured their musical abilities and exceeded earlier efforts. What makes this album so great isn't just that every track is brilliant in it's own right, but that it is actually structured into an album. Many bands simply come up with a few good songs, and a lot of average ones, then just put them in any random order on a cd and call it an album. It is only when actually listen to the cd that you realise it is simply a collection a singles with cheap filler pasted into the gaping gaps.

But with 'Trail of Dead', time is spent ordering the album, and weaving the tracks together with beautiful interludes. This is done so well with this album that often you do not realise that the track you were listening to has ended and a new one has begun. The first two tracks, 'Invocation' and 'It Was There That I Saw You' are perfect examples of this. 'Invocation' is a mismerising piano intro that beckons you into the album. Then what you think is simply the addition of guitars to this is the next track 'It Was There That I Saw You'. This rollercoaster of a song begins with boundless energy and vocals to match, before dying down into a subtlety, then firing back up again to finish.

'Another Morning Stoner' is their first single of the album, led by an awesome guitar riff along with inspiring lyrics. 'How Near How Far' is another beautiful demonstration of their musical abilities, with guitars and drums drifting around a solid base of vocals. The band show that they still love nothing more than to play music at full volume by rocking out right from the beginning of 'Homage' and 'Days of Being Wild'. The latter of these leads into 'Relative Ways', which starts with a great set of vocals and backing, before doubling back on itself with that extra bit of energy that makes 'Trail of Dead' so good. 'After the Laughter' is the beautiful aftermath to this, followed by the title track 'Source Tags & Codes' which again shows the new found subtle side of the band, led by fluctuating and mismerising vocals. 'Blood Rites', the bonus track, is the most energetic of the album. This must have been added for effect so that you can picture the band trashing the stage, as they do without fail at the end of every gig. A fitting finale.

You cannot select any tracks from this album that really stand out, because every one is fantastic. However, this band unfortunately will not make the mainstream with this album, because there are no crowd pleasers that many bands create and base themselves upon. Thankfully 'Trail of Dead' are happy to simply extend thair trail of fans further.

I urge any lover of original and inspiring music to buy this album. It truly is a masterpiece.

'Source Tags & Codes' represents a definite progression for the band. The mid-song wig outs and art rock excesses of old have been curbed, without any loss of the visceral guitar attack and breathless dynamics that the band have become renowned for. In return for this more focused approach, the band have futher developed their melodies and hooklines to the point that you will just have to go back and listen to certain tracks again and agin. Moreover, the step up to a major label has paid off in droves, with the higher production standards and subtle use of horns and strings giving the songs a fuller sound than they might have had before.

It is too early to be talking about albums of the year, but if this record is not in the running come December then we are in for some great music over the next nine months.