It's somehow been five years since Dublin band Codes released their debut album 'Trees Dream in Algebra'. The album itself was nominated for a coveted Choice Music Prize and saw the band play every Irish festival imaginable in support of it. Fans have been anticipating the follow up, 'Aaltars', since then.

Half a decade is a very long time to wait for a new album, but those loyal to the band have hung on, and even funded Codes' sophomore effort to be what it is today. We had a chat with guitar wielders of the band, Daragh Anderson and Raymond Hogge, who told us about crowdfunding, moving to London and the excitement surrounding their new album.

Addressing the elephant in the room immediately, we asked the lads if they were concerned about the length of time between album one and two: "I guess when you have such a break between releases it's always a risk that you can lose any momentum you gained to that point," said Hogge.

"We'd obviously have liked to get the record out sooner," added Anderson. "But it was always going to be a technically difficult record to make with what we had in mind since touring 'Trees Dream...' so I guess that, along with life getting in the way and with personnel changes makes you concerned - but you have to push on or there's no point. I will say though that we really have done our best to do it as soon as we could whilst still making what we set out to make."

It's safe to say that any momentum that may have tapered off has been rebuilding steadily over the past month, after a release date had finally been solidified for 'Aaltars'. This obviously means a lot to fans, but how do the band feel about it finally being shared with the world? "It's a massive relief," said Hogge. "We're just so eager to have our funders and followers finally hear what we've been working on all this time."

"We hope we've done the people who believe in us and the process proud," said Anderson.

Recording an album is an expensive process, and one that stops many bands in their tracks. In 2013, Codes decided on the ingenious plan of crowdfunding on Indiegogo to help them with the process of recording their second album. The huge sum of €7000 was raised by 163 fans in just a month. While most opted for the standard album and t-shirt bundles, one dedicated fan contributed a whopping €1000. Their reward: Codes will come to their home and cook dinner for them (and three friends!), before they're treated to an intimate acoustic set.

This kind of innovation is something that helped Codes immensely, and something they are wholeheartedly grateful for. "We honestly didn't even think we would raise half the amount that we did," said Hogge. "We owe so much to every single funder for simply having as much (if not more) belief in us and this album as we do. Thank you so much guys!!"

For Anderson the "overwhelming response we got from people who wanted us to finish this record" tops "playing some huge shows ans festivals and having the time of our lives." The response was "life changing and 'Aaltars' would never have seen the light of day without those beautiful souls."

Since 2010, Codes have undergone some changes that have shaped them as a band... sometimes, quite literally. For example, Hogge "gained a stone and I now part my hair a different way" which is a truly staggering change.

"We became better at what we do I hope," said Anderson. "More comfortable with our own ideas. Hopefully able to trust that even if something was challenging, that if we liked it, other people hopefully would too. I think 2010 us would have loved to have the courage to make a record as technical as this." 

The change in style is evident from the start of 'Aaltars', which is a much bolder album that integrates elements of math rock throughout - something that can be hard to pull off successfully.

As well as the change of surroundings, Codes have also seen the introduction of a new drummer into the set-up.  "We're now on our second lineup change," explained Anderson, "with Alex behind the kit, who is properly fantastic, as of course was Paul who was a founding member and Niall who played on this record and is a phenomenal musician. Because I wrote all the parts I think we were confident to adapt and hopefully respect people's decisions whatever their reasons to move on and to focus on what we have that makes us us. "

"It was an amicable departure," said Hogge, "but it did indeed put a snag in what we were doing at the time. I guess we had to learn fast how to deal with it so we could keep our own momentum and workflow moving. We've had some great people working with us to help get 'Aaltars' finished." 

It's been quite a while since Codes have toured properly, and the release of a new album is always a good reason to tour. We got on to talking about where Hogge and Anderson hope 'Aaltars' takes them as a band. "Just getting this record to people's ears will make us truly happy. Hopefully someone enjoys it and gets something from it." 

Hogge has a simpler idea: "I hope it takes us to Japan."

As a band goal, that's pretty solid.

Obviously five years is a long time to go without releasing an album, so we rounded off the interview with a brief chat about their plans for future albums. "Hopefully it won't take that long. We have an abundance of material. Making records costs a lot though, with far fewer returns these days so we can only do what we can do whilst affording to eat and put roofs over our heads." A valid point, and a sort of optimistic way to end things... sort of.

Codes' new album, 'Aaltars' will be released this coming Friday,  18 September. You should pick it up, and then go see them in Whelan's on Saturday night for their album launch gig.