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The Code

Rhetoric Of Reason (2004)
Jump Start Records

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Contributed by: KirbyPuckett
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on July 20th 2004

For the past few years outside of the Western Pennsylvania area the Code have been a mere speck of dust on the eye glasses of the punk rock scene. However, after a very successful stint on tour with the Suicide Machines and Against All Authority and a few new recordings under their belt, perhaps it’s finally their chance to make some noise?

A total of four songs, one being a risky cover, help the politically themed Rhetoric of Reason pack a solid punch. “Know Your Enemy” escapes the cliché of labeling the band as Anti-Flag rip offs. Instead the band fails to stop for a red light as H2O’s and the Bouncing Souls' tour busses are coming full speed from the opposite direction. Their blend of ska-punk musicianship doesn’t hide for long as “The Pace” implores to be integrated in their live show’s set list by providing a danceable beat and appealing lyrics for a few sweaty kids to help backup Marcdefiant up on vocals. Revisiting the combination of music displayed on the first track “Break the Silence” pans out to be the standout track. It’s a straight up punk song with lyrics that paint the picture of the album’s artwork (which is hit or miss), but it’s the raucous palm-muting heckling the listener that build this one up. For years their shows have been filled with the energy and passion of “Unity” and now the same emotions that ignite a small club have been put to record. Now you might dispute that the world never needs another Operation Ivy cover, but despite your plea the Code will prove you wrong. They don’t do too much with the song, playing the same straight up ska-punk sound that the classic is known for. Instead of stopping there as most renditions do, the heart, soul and sweat that graced the original are harnessed for an ideal ending to this impressive record.

While short EPs have a tendency to be a tough sell, consider Rhetoric of Reason to be the perfect introduction to one of the most exciting ska-punk acts in the scene today.

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kirbypuckett (July 26, 2004)

THE SHOW WAS AMAZING!

Expect review w/ exclusive photos and video soon!

- Kirbo

andrew13 (July 22, 2004)

i wanted to go to the erie show so bad... that would be fucking awesome... the code, strike anywhere, the start, and the aka's... that's a better card than the warped tour has almost... i have to go to a fucking family reunion that day that i can't get out of no matter how hard i try... so i'm gonna miss the best concert in years for that...

Anonymous (July 22, 2004)

Ive never seen SA w/ NMDS but yes they tour a lot together. I guess they get along and enjoy playing with eachother. Its kinda lame they always tour with eachother, but eh, whatever.

Anywho, im seeing SA tomorrow. Hopefully they will yell at the shit head boston hardcore kids driving down for the weekend. God i hate meat head hardcore kids.

Not-To-Regret (July 22, 2004)

They're on Anti-Flags label... give em credit for what they are, just a band playing for their own wits... they're not playing to sound good to you.

Anonymous (July 21, 2004)

yes... they are lovers that can't bear to be apart. nothing like some hot sweaty man anal to keep a tour interesting.

Anonymous (July 21, 2004)

Are Strike Anywhere and New Mexican Disaster Squad conjoined? Or possibly lovers who can't bear to be apart? I've not heard either band, but they just seem to be constantly touring with each other. Even when they came over the the UK it was:

STRIKE ANYWHERE w/ New Mexican Disaster Squad

Someone explain, please...

kirbypuckett (July 21, 2004)

Hey if you're going to be at the Erie show look for me and come say 'Hi.' I'll give free high-fives.

That show is going to rip beyond belief.

- Kirby

Anonymous (July 21, 2004)

This band needs to give it up

gladimnotemo (July 21, 2004)

When this band plays next week in Erie, they are NOT playing the Strike Anywhere show. In Erie, it is:

THE CODE
- SKA/PUNK GENIUS FROM PITTSBURGH BY WAY OF A-F RECORDS

Strike Anywhere
- something about politics
New Mexican Disaster Squad
- um....we don't know.

DID WE MENTION THE CODE?!

Eh. They're okay.

theOneTrueBill (July 21, 2004)

Yeah, that's what it's going to have to come to. I didn't want to pay for shipping, but my desire to get this EP wins out

jumpstartrecords (July 21, 2004)

for those that are having trouble finding it at your local record store, you can buy it online at www.jumpstartrecords.com, www.interpunk.com, www.smartpunk.com, and www.revhq.com

Anonymous (July 21, 2004)

im going to see strike anywhere and new mexican disaster squad in erie and unfotunately this band is playing too.

notfeelingcreative (July 21, 2004)

I dig this band alot, they're fun live and while they do nothing new their music is fun and energetic.

theOneTrueBill (July 20, 2004)

Damn, I still haven't been able to find this album after two weeks of looking.

BSD (July 20, 2004)

Honestly, this band is okayish.