Forming in 2017, Landlords comprise of a quartet coming from hardcore, metal and punk bands. As many artists such as Graywave, Peace Ritual and Hundredth have chosen to do, they’ve chosen the path of reverb-laden tunes known as shoegaze and post-punk. Landlords found themselves quickly appearing in venues around New Zealand, finding many fans in the island nation who were ready to explore the sound with them. Dropping their debut self-titled EP in 2020, the band now follow up with their 2022 record, Codeine, which looks to cement them as one of the most promising post-punk acts coming out of NZ.
Despite the previous genre mentions, Codeine is a release that is difficult to fit into one particularly box. Opener “Perfect Life” contains thick riffs that are reminiscent of what was found in grunge during the 90s. These, balanced with daydream plucked chords that give the track its charm, provide a beautiful contrast that is difficult not to get lost in. Mixed within all of this are some pleasant melodies that make for a memorable opener. Codeine continues with track “Haunt“, which sees the pace drop and broody drums and guitars enter the fold. This pacing gives it a weight akin to tracks seen within Slow Crush’s 2021 release, Hush.
Midpoint track “Clover” returns to the lighter daydream atmosphere of its opener. While each has its own defining qualities, the tracks have echoes of the works of Gleemer, with the chordwork here being entrancing at times and drawing the ear in. “Clover” sees the least vocal presence of the EP tracks, allowing the guitar work to truly shine, the clean and reverbed guitar taking a commanding position throughout. “Dwell” follows on in a similar tone; with beefy guitars filling the chorus, there’s a starker contrast with the guitarwork similar to that on opening track “Perfect Life“, though the tracks differ in atmosphere.
Closer “Violence” is arguably Codeine’s best track alongside its opposite bookend in “Perfect Life“. Whether it’s the effect of the closing moments dawning in on the record, there is a feeling of going home across the track. The airy vocal performance backed with slowed drums and guitars has that departing touch to it. Again, there is some lovely chords in its quieter moments that give the track its heart, its closing crescendo giving a moment of pondering on Codeine’s contents and work.
Across its five tracks, it’s difficult not to get caught in the embrace of what Codeine has to offer. It’s an EP that firmly puts Landlords in a deserving place alongside aforementioned bands on shoegaze mixtapes and playlists. Whilst on immediate listens the full contents of the record might not be fully revealed, it’s one that will reward multiple listens to discover the subtleties through its runtime. There are many ideas and sounds that now need to be seen across a full-length record, where Landlords can truly flex their talent and start to take the step up in this reemerging genre.
7.5/10
Codeine is out this Friday via Church Road Records and can be pre-ordered here.