Ask The Slave: The Order Of Things

This is the type of music that experts and self-appointed authorities on what’s cool make fun of or are intimidated by. ‘The Order Of Things’ is equal part a display of: the joyousness of playing with individuals that gel together, yeswecanism (evident in how they rejoice in riffs, vocals and song structures most avoid) and an unashamed homage to their influences (Theater Of The Absurd, Mr. Bungle, Fantomas and metal). Going in, I had my reservations. Coming out, I was happy as a donkey in an ‘80s arcade. At first the herky-jerky nature of the whole thing annoyed me but quickly it made all the sense in the world. It flows and these guys have a panache rarely found in Icelandic bands that don’t fit particular trends. If you couldn’t stomach proggy music that’s also abrasive and scatterbrained, you will not like this. But if you want to try, it’s the best place to start. ‘The Order Of Things’ is energetic, twisted, eventful, oddly catchy and fun as hell. It’ll give you plenty to chew on.