Code:Indigo
Uforia
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(Excerpt from track 'Rapture')
 
Meticulously packaged and presented, the new Code Indigo album certainly looks the part. The core artists of Robert Fox, David Wright and Nik Smith are complemented by Sharon Woolf (vocals on most tracks), Catherine Foster (vocals on one track) and Steve Kelly (Saxophone).

'The Call' opens the album. Well crafted piano motifs, delightful guitar detail, stylish vocal treatments, complementary synth touches, uptempo rhythmics, and monkish overtones. Superficially it sounds great, but I'm wary of the Gregorian angle because basically it's been "done to death" and it's difficult not to think of holiday programmes when the main guitar theme kicks in.

'Fallen' relies on a beguiling repeated piano pattern which is fleshed out with further themes to great effect. Spoken and half-sung voice detail works well together with the lush synth pads. 'SyncGate', at 13:51 the longest track (but only by 1 second), opens with a strangely effective sequence which builds into a subtle collage of sounds. A mid paced beat and saxophone then plays host to heavily mouthed vocals and a variety of samples, while the mid section is a more obtuse offering with some interesting effects.

'Rapture' presents some powerful symphonics, a feature which has been in relatively short supply so far considering Robert Fox's presence. Well placed samples then herald a chugging beat which underpins simple but hugely effective guitar themes. For me the best piece so far. However, 'Stars' runs it close - a superb outing with so much going on. 2010 samples, and superb stereo separation! The title track completes the picture and continues the form.

Can't fault this album for professionalism and polish. It sounds great and is largely very easy to get on with, and there are just enough "darker corners" to keep the balance right. However, I was surprised by the lack of Robert Fox flourishes - so often a feature yet very much taking a back seat here. And the vocals at times don't work, though at others they sound very effective. So, generally very satisfying but not quite "Uforic". (GG)

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