Review
- Ash Wednesday “Code Red”
EP/Mini
Album through ODS
Memo to one’s self: recall what was written about Ash Wednesday’s“Full Circle” independent single and disregard completely. While still aways away from a debut album, “Code Red” through ODS comprises some mighty fine recording and production qualities, which should stand them in good stead with the commercial/rock/new music radio programmers.
“Code Red” is six tracks of combination rock. The record retains Midnight Oil sounds from pre-“10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1” throughout, starting out with full-tilt pub rock a la Screaming Jets but adding Nirvana and/or Dave Grohl and/or Foo Fighters to suit. Then when you think you have it pinned, add some Diesel (from about “Hep Fidelity” or “Solid State Rhyme”), or some acoustic David Bowie and Vanda & Young/Flash & The Pan Hey St Peter keys (akin to the sounds Chapter were creating in the early 90s in Sydney’s north-west), and even some classic Heavy Metal tendencies for the rock-epic [track 5].
I was down on the “Full Circle” single as some readers might be aware, but this release has redeemed them no end! The reworking of Full Circle and Pinhole…as well as Jamie Carter’s, Adam Toole’s and the band’s production achievements, (compared to those previously attributed to Scott Harper/MYC for that band’s 1997 recording), will set these guys on the road to whatever success this country’s industry can provide. Ash Wednesday “Code Red” through ODS ««««¶