@@annihilisthtx2297 i disagree, just because she is factually the best musician and singer does not means the other members haven't done game changing stuff to the group's history, it just means she is the best. they are all great, btw.
I'm so glad they took this way with The Above, it's hard to make a record with own identity and not getting stuck in the same sounds over and over again. Code Orange music process it's really good, checking back their discography you can see versatility. This guys represent Metal music for me, my deepest and mad respect from Argentina 🇦🇷
as a lifelong music fan, former musician/engineer. I always loved metal, especially the Sabbath type great rhythm riffs. 60s 70s grunge, sludge hold the most special place in my heart. As much as I love metal tho, I do think music would benefit from all of us being more "music purists" than "metal purists." This is comin from a guy who loves hardcore metal. But I also love other music Reggae, ZZ Top, Tool, Pink Floyd, Soundgarden. None of those are same genre. Another thing that imo got lost over the years is: vocal melody is a good thing. Beatles I Wanna Hold Your Hand is what I might consider corny pop melody. That's different from a good rock hook, tho. Think ab the best tool, sabbath, or deftones songs. Those dudes could sing as well as they could scream. They used both to provide contour, depth. So if I could influence young musicians in 1 way, it'd be to embrace good songwriting regardless of "genre" or someone else's expectations. Doesn't mean force different for different sake, but good music should be intuitive to the writer & celebrated by the public. Good riffs & good hooks are hard to write, but easy to feel. Code Orange has done some awesome work. I still remember 1st time I heard Bleeding in the Blue, how unexpected yet pleasant each chord change was. Or the outro to Forever, how raw & viscous. The funk elements in the early drumming mixed w/ Reba's ability to not overcomplicate. You guys are inspired & talented. I think your best songs are in front of you too.
Ability to not overcomplicate? Reba is a classically trained musician who can definitely write more challenging material than what was displayed here. I think that's one of the Above's biggest problems. Underneath was fairly complicated and that increased complexity served their sound's progression very well, like on tracks such as Swallowing the Rabbit Whole and You and You Alone. This album is a step backwards and simplicity doesn't suit them at their age now like it did when they were kids.
@@ALK-le6pv I was jazz trained on bass so maybe I just got sick of weird for weird sake (at a young age). Having to watch John Coltrane do a one-note solo was one of the stupidest things I ever saw. So I can see it both ways, but in general, when I consider my favorite songs ever written, there was purpose and feel, first and foremost. Reba seems to trust her instincts as a songwriter. She always pushes new boundaries. That's how to keep it fun n creative. Jimi Page did it. I meant it as a compliment too. ostinado/groove is fundamental to great riffs. In essence an awesome riff is worth vamping and building around. That's why I couldn't stand jazz school because every time we get to a good riff we couldn't even vamp on it. Or as a basis so often my guitarist wants to move to the next section early when maybe removal or additional layers might serve the song better (meaning from standpoint of vocalist, who needs some steadiness to even write a melody). It's obviously taste but some of my favorite guitarist are the guys like Stephen Carpenter who could do way more with way less. He makes Chinos job way easier that way. That's why that band has elite chemistry. There's no ego blocking the collective sound. Or like the drop in Down - Pillars of Eternity. It's not complex and I don't care because it's incredibly awesome, one of my favorite drops ever. It's not just the notes hit, there is a palpable emotional core. That said, I like Code Oranges early stuff and their new stuff. It's all inspired. I have preferences too, like I would love to hear their take on a more garage style mix then say industrial or electronic, but those are still personal preferences and I'm not in the band so I still really try to appreciate them for what they love and I try to respect them on the level that they're trying to deliver their art. The hook on their recent single "I am the one you love to hate" was fluttering through my mind today. Prolly what brought me here. Fact is anybody who's played I think has a lot more empathy, because it's like what are they supposed to do keep writing Forever over and over? No bands can do that. You have to grow & explore. As fans we could do a way better job letting artists push those limits, and if we keep open minds, we may all realize there are no limits.
That's every interview with the two of them, haha. Jami drones on and on about his vision and grand ideas while Reba stares at a wall and tries not to look annoyed.
The new album is decent, but I fear they're moving to a BMTH trajectory, and losing that uniqueness and heaviness that made them great. All the bands like BMTH, and those that copy them, AA, architects, while she sleeps, bury tomorrow, have all got progressively worse and worse as they copy BMTH's descent into Indy pop rock.
