And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Source Tags & Codes
(Interscope Records)
By: John Schietinger - ModernRock.com
Getting straight to the point, Source Tags and Codes is a great record. From start to finish, the record is incredibly melodic and energetic with nary a down moment. This is ...Trail of Dead’s first major-label release, and they have certainly put Interscope’s money to good use. Implementing a "wall of sound" recording style, every track flows together with brief interludes of static, piano, or ambient noise between tracks. Strings, horns, and harmonicas find their way into these songs as well, and though not in the forefront of the mix, these additions certainly add to the intensity of Source Tags and Codes.
As was true on their 1998 self-titled debut album, and 1999’s Madonna, Source Tags and Codes definitely echoes Sonic Youth circa-1988, but these four men from Austin, Texas are far from a weak imitators. …Trail of Dead fill out their sound with a hint of "emo," that ill-named genre that has been continually abused by bands like Jimmy Eat World and Saves the Day. …Trail of Dead know exactly how to incorporate the impassioned vocals, catchy melodies, and heavy riffs of "emo" without ever sounding pretentious or cute. In spite of having three different vocalists, Source Tags and Codes maintains a consistency of mood and intensity that is truly refreshing to hear in the age of Creed.
The stand-out track here is the first single "Relative Ways," a beautifully taut song featuring sublime ringing guitar lines and brilliant lyrics such as: "If it takes a life or a couple of days/ It's coming together in relative ways." "Baudelaire" is an unconventional rocker in terms of rhythm and structure, and it’s also ridiculously catchy. "How Near, How Far" is sonically invigorating and quite poignant, and the closer, "Source Tags and Codes," is simply breathtaking.
Not since At the Drive-In’s Relationship of Command has an American rock record emitted so much power and beauty. A major step-forward from their last two records, Source Tags and Codes probably won’t lift …Trail of Dead into the mainstream spotlight alongside such dreary fare as Puddle of Mudd and Nickelback, but they are sure to lift the spirits of anyone willing to give this album a chance. Without a doubt, Source Tags and Codes, an addictive and gorgeously noisy rock record, will figure prominently on my favorite records of 2002.
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