Burning Codes is the solo project of Belfast-born Paul Archer. Following on from his sublime debut Burning Codes, his latest release, simply titled Burning Codes 2 (available here), exudes the same quiet grandeur and resplendent mood as its predecessor.

Written and recorded around the notion that society never addresses the innate uniqueness of the individual, this album unfurls as a sonic celebration of our uniqueness as much as our abundant diversity. This duality is carried over into the music itself, with a stunning collection of songs that are simultaneously expansive and epic-sounding, and yet deeply intimate and tenderly wrought compositions. Layered vocals, gentle guitars and a sense of calm majesty are once again the order of the day.

The album opens with the softly incessant beat of Speaking In Codes, a track that effortlessly builds to an irresistible and deeply melodic chorus, complete with echoic, call-and-answer vocals. Elsewhere, Burning Codes 2 floats between quiet restraint, as evidenced on the likes of ‘Till You Take Control’ and ‘Sharper Than Gold’, and more full-bodied, upbeat affairs such as the bubbly ‘Hit The Ground Running’ and ‘Streaming’, with their shimmering and layered guitar chords and skipping harmonies.

The bluesy gospel tinges that rippled throughout the first record make a welcome return here on tracks such as ‘Can You Hear The Sound’ and the rather hymnal ‘Away’. The rousing vocals, jagged riffs and insistent harmonies of ‘Codes Are Innate’ end the album on a high note, no doubt leaving you with the urge to listen to it all over again.

Burning Codes 2 basks in a glorious haze of illuminated pop-bliss and is a fitting follow-up to Archer’s acclaimed debut. James Gracey

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KEY TRACKS: ‘SPEAKING IN CODE’, ‘CODES ARE INNATE’, ‘STREAMING’.
FOR FANS OF: IAIN ARCHER, THE GHEARS, ROBYN G SHIELS.