“With Rotten Codex, the long-gestating debut LP from nebulous Chicago post-punk outfit Bruised, we find the project codifying and ultimately transcending the thematic proclivities of their previous work. The surreal sing-song-shout vocalization, lyrical guitar interplay, muscular basslines, and higher-brow inclinations that made Bruised one of Chicago’s most admired contemporary punk projects are on full display here - as are a number of left-field additions to the band’s pallet. Bruised have manifested a beautifully realized rock record with Rotten Codex. Erudite, occasionally something akin to the esoteric, and always evocative, Rotten Codex moves and moves and moves. ”