The good folks at Glasgow PodcART have written a lovely review of our album, check out their work here

Burning Codes: ‘Empowerment’

I have been a long term fan and supporter of Burning Codes, they are one of the most genuine groups in music today and their music speaks anthemic volumes about what they love and truly believe in.

Northern Irish frontman, Paul Archer is dedicated to his project Burning Codes and it is exactly that. It is not essentially a band but something that he wants to encompass as many ideas and people as possible. Burning Codes represent community and a way of networking that not many other artists do. For me this is one of their many appeals and the ideology behind Burning Codes is something that myself and many of my music buddies aspire to work towards.

‘Empowerment’ is the second album release from Paul Archer and his band of inspiring musicians. It is the follow up to an album that opened a realm of potency for me. ‘Empowerment’ asks those little questions that we have about life, but it does so musically and lyrically in a way that I just wish I could. The minimalist bass lines with steady drum beats throughout each song give Archer’s vocals the chance to soar high above expectation.

Tracks such as ‘Speaking In Code’ have a delicate authority; it communicates a strong message, but also gives us the chance to question our own thoughts. I find it astounding when musicians have this ability. It is like interpreting a poem the way we think or in the height of your emotional state latch onto a song that seems to represent most what you are feeling.

The album highlight for me is ‘Till You Take Control’. Guitars open and guide this song like a rowing boat on a still river. Their movement to’s and fro’s like paddles hitting the next ripple of water and pulls you back again in an effortless manner. Syncopated percussion amplifies this initial guitar movement in way that relaxes all senses and pushes you back into a state of relief.

Burning Codes have a gift. They are a band that can make you leave your body and walk towards the light knowing that you are going for a deserved escapism. When the ethereal sounds of this album cascade over you it is like sighing with angels and discovering the true meaning of morals and life. Take this album, embrace everything about it and really open up everything you have. This is not only about listening, but it is about life, nature and something that is far bigger than the body that you inhabit. This album is love personified.

All words by Halina Rafai