Codeine was an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 1989, notable for pioneering a subgenre that came to be known as slowcore or sadcore. Their music is characterized by its slow, deliberate tempo, minimalist arrangements, and somber, melancholic mood. The founding members consisted of Stephen Immerwahr on vocal and bass, Chris Brokaw on drums, and John Engle on guitar. Their sound was a stark contrast to the grunge and noise rock scenes that were popular at the time, choosing instead to create a sound that emphasized space and restraint.

The band's relatively brief initial run produced three seminal albums that have left a lasting impact on the slowcore and post-rock genres. Their first release, "Frigid Stars LP" in 1990, immediately set the standard with its glacial pacing and emotional depth. This was followed by the EP "Barely Real" in 1992, which continued in the same vein, and their final studio album "The White Birch" in 1994, which expanded slightly on their established sound with a more polished production. After disbanding in 1994, the legacy of Codeine's music lived on, influencing a generation of bands drawn to their uniquely introspective and intense approach to indie rock. Posthumous releases such as the live album "What About the Lonely?" and compilations like "When I See the Sun" have preserved their work, allowing new fans to discover the poignant, understated power of Codeine's music.