New Band of the Week: Code: Marla

Kent and Essex-based band Code: Marla started out as a dubstep project but they’re increasingly heading down a path towards nu-metal with a thrilling sound they describe as “high energy vibes.”

Code: Marla started out as bassist CJ’s dubstep solo project, which began in 2010 by producing beats and synth parts and looping them over bass guitar with various effects to achieve a dubstep wobble sound. Over the years, CJ collaborated with multiple people before, in 2017, he decided to start incorporating heavier sounds and vocals into his songs. He first recruited Fraser on guitar then added Billy on rap vocals, and the trio performed largely electronic music until they onboarded drummer Alastair and vocalist Sonia in 2018. And, with that extended lineup in place, the predominantly Tunbridge Wells-based band is heading in a heavier direction.

On the new sound they’re embracing, CJ told us: “We are a modern take on nu-metal with more of a focus on the rap and EDM elements. Different members of the band grew up on different music and we all bring those elements into our songs. I’m very much inspired by early 2000s nu-metal and older electronic music. Alastair is younger and so is into more modern metal and modern EDM. Billy lives and breathes rap music of all genres, whilst also having an interest in older nu-metal. And Fraser is more of a classic rock and funk fan, so he brings that to his guitar playing, especially with his solos.”

Our latest taste of this is their new single Louder, which was released last month. It opens up with stabbing guitar harmonics, which drop into dual vocals that give way to a cool opening verse of rapped vocals and stabbing guitar that continues into a laid-back lick. Sonia’s laid-back vocals take over and feed into a quick chorus. A second chorus ends with light guitar notes, then Sonia’s vocals supported by a building bass noise blasts into a heavy outro with diving guitars and thick bass.

On the track, CJ told us: “We have been playing this track live for a couple of years now and only recently recorded and released it. So far the response has been great. It’s always been a crowd pleaser at live shows, and that’s following through to the single release too. It’s full-on and upbeat and has big party energy. We made the music video by editing together footage from people’s phones that they recorded at a recent house party we were booked to perform at. I think that fits the tone of the song perfectly.” Check it out in the video here:

That follows on from You Won’t Like Me, released back in March 2023, which opens up with chunky guitar chords that jump back in for a lively verse led by Billy’s engaging rapped vocals. That flows into a big chorus with Sonia’s catchy vocals, which swiftly drops back into the intense guitars and rapped vocals. The pace drops after the second chorus, but gradually builds in intensity with stabbing guitars and synth sounds then high-pitched vocals feed into a final blast of the chorus. And if you want something a little more moody and atmospheric, check out their previous single Drowning.

The Code: Marla sound has been influenced by a host of this writer’s personal favourite bands, including Hed PE, Spineshank, Kittie, Limp Bizkit, Linkin Park and Papa Roach. They also draw inspiration from The Prodigy, due to their ability to “mash up genres.”

And on what inspires them to write music, CJ explained: “Me and Al are the main writers of the music and we go purely on vibes. Whatever we are feeling at the moment comes out into our music, but we mostly just want to give people a good time. We are most at home at live shows, so anything that can get people moving is where we like to focus.

“Billy and Sonia write the lyrics from personal experience and focus a lot on their personal lives and troubles, which the listeners can relate to too, as well as some social and political commentary.”

Code: Marla are currently recording two more singles that continue their heavier focus, with Kaleidoscope and Alice due to be released in May and July. You can see the band perform at Maidstone Fringe Festival in May, as well as the Unfest and Local and Live Festival events in Tunbridge Wells. And CJ added: “As mentioned before, on stage is where we thrive, so if you see that Code: Marla are playing in your local area, come down and check us out. You won’t be disappointed.”

You can follow Code: Marla on Instagram and TikTok, and check out their music on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, Deezer and YouTube.