Gold Code by Concrete Cedars

Concrete Cedars presents their sophomore full-length "Gold Code," a fully improvised album exploring noise, ambient, punk, and country. Releasing on July 4th, this project reflects on the latent hells embedded in American life, during a time of celebration, fireworks, and hotdogs.

"Gold Code" takes inspiration from "How To Survive an Atomic Bomb," a hilariously unnerving guidebook from the 1950s. (One notable tip, “if you are caught outdoors in a sudden attack, a hat will give you at least some protection from the heat flash”). Every track title of “Gold Code” references this document, creating a narrative that comments on the absurd, the fantastic, and the existential—nuclear or no—laced into the fabric of our country.

https://lightholderbooks.com/products/how-to-survive-an-atomic-bomb

The album title refers to the codes the president uses in conjunction with the “nuclear football” to launch nuclear weapons, however the trio appreciates its softer suggestions—a golden code to live by, the beauty and harmony that can be created when we let the bullshit go and take care of each other.

The trio—Til Willis, Bradley McKellip, and Chance Dibben—brings a spontaneous energy to the album. Til Willis, known for his work with Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy and solo projects, contributes dynamic drumming, strange percussion, and the haunting tones of the water harp. Bradley McKellip, recognized for his contributions to The Roseline and Heidi Gluck, as well as his own solo works, crafts unique soundscapes with his guitar and no-input mixer. Chance Dibben, who is behind the ambient and noise project Selvedge, adds layers of synth and noise splatters.

“Gold Code” arrives just under a year after Concrete Cedars debut full-length, “ox,” which was recorded live and improvised during a performance at The Replay Lounge.

Find the trios other projects:

tilwillis.bandcamp.com

bradleymckellip.bandcamp.com

selvedge-000.bandcamp.com

CDs available through Kunaki:

Tracklist

1.	Why Do I Have to Lie Down That Way	2:57

2.	For Those Who Live In Apartments	4:42

3.	Unless Others Near You Need Your Help	5:54

4.	The Part of the Flash You Can't See	7:52

5.	The Mostly Indoors	4:42

6.	As Long As We're Telling the Truth	7:33

7.	Comes By Daylight	3:36

8.	There Should Always Be Two Exits	5:32

Credits

released July 4, 2024

Guitar, No-Input Mixer: Bradley McKellip
Drum, Percussion, Water Harp: Til Willis
Synth, Noise Splatters: Chance Dibben

Recorded by Til Willis at 1509 Recording Service
Mixed by Chance Dibben.
Art by Til Willis

License