Nocode - ​Divergent

Nocode

​Divergent
self-released; 2017

​3.5 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

Ryan Luke is the musician behind Nocode. I was looking at his bandcamp page and he sure did release a lot of music in December. One of his releases is Divergent EP. After spending some time with the EP I felt this was a very ambient and mood driven experience. There were some great ideas throughout but some did seem to be implemented better than others.

I felt the same way I usually do when I listen to smooth jazz or Ambient 1: Music for Airports by Brian Eno which definitely isn't a bad thing. There were no focal points in the music and felt like they could be endless loops that could create a sense of oblivion. It’s felt like a trade off because I didn’t experience and dizzying heights of emotion that I sometimes yearn for in my music.

Up first is “640” which combines a beat, electric piano and some type of field recording. I have to admit this song wasn’t a standout for me in the batch because I couldn't connect to it emotionally. “Relativity” fares better and revolves around a smooth, slow moving jazz groove. The distorted talking took most of attention which seemed a little too prevalent in the mix but when I concentrated on the music I appreciated it more.

“Machines” was a highlight for me mostly because he builds a darker almost noire type mood here. I could see it being implemented into a movie when the detective has a cold case and is getting a cup of coffee in the  50's style diner. The song also felt the most ambient and surrounding. I hope to hear more of this style in the future.

“24” had the most energy and you could argue has some similarities to Amon Tobin (whom I think the artist should check out if he hasn't) while “Construction” has a slightly funkier tone to end the album with.

Luke just started writing in 2012 which in songwriting years is still in your infancy. I really liked what I heard along with the ideas but have a feeling his best work is yet to come if he keeps at it. I think there are more possibilities even within the ambient realm for him to conquer and have a feeling we will be hearing that in the not too distant future.

Become A Fan

bandcamp

Tweet