Dublin-based Codes have some major weapons in their arsenal. First off, there’s vocalist Daragh Anderson, whose androgynous voice can swoop and soar like a carefree kite. They also have a clutch of classy songs and the musical chops to do justice to them. Certainly the record starts on a high note, in the shape of atmospheric opener ‘Malfunctions’ and the Keane-ish ‘This Is Goodbye’. Elsewhere, ‘Guided By Ghosts’ (with its nod towards A-ha) and the lavishly-orchestrated ‘Our Mysteries (Missed Histories)’ grab the listener by the throat.
The elegant instrumental ‘Telos’ is sumptuously wrapped in strings and the anthemic ‘Memorial’ has truly epic production. ‘You Are Here’ benefits from a sense of restraint and wouldn’t feel out of place on a Snow Patrol album.
Granted in places, Codes try a little too hard to impress. Otherwise, however, this is a debut to cherish.