Recent Reviews

December 2024

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Android Meme, The: Ordo Ab Chao
The Android Meme Ordo Ab Chao album new music review

Android Meme, The: Ordo Ab Chao

Progressive Rock/Metal
4.0/5.0

Magna Carta Records
Website Facebook Twitter MySpace
by Craig Hartranft, 06.27.2011

There's something suspiciously familiar about Toronto's The Android Meme and their debut disc Ordo Ab Chao. But you won't be able to finger on it, at least I haven't. Heavy rock meets the best complexity of Queensyrche pushed through some Tears for Fears, maybe Tool, wrapped up in the heroic atmosphere of Muse. Arrangements burst with major riffage, nuances of electronica and synthesizer, and then propelled by the most massive drumming I've heard in some time. Maybe, as the album title suggests, 'order form chaos' is the nature of The Android Meme.

Some songs seem straight forward: heavy, rumbling along with chords abounding, lightened at times with synth or odd electronica. So are The Machine Stops, Polar Rose, or maybe possibly Left Right Paradise. Yet, that last song swings into more progressive metal. Or does it. It's texture has a modern feel. And texture is a premium element here. The heavy prog rock of Sumii is up tempo and accessible, and Sigma might follow this motif. Then the texture of Esoterika erupts in organized cacophony, only to be tempered midway moderation, then boil once more in conclusion. The eerie atmosphere of Whistleblower is developed from bleak guitar and equally disturbing vocals.

While, wholistically, the arrangements engage every player and are effectively engaging, the drum work of Jake Hamilton truly propels Ordo Ab Chao. If Canada could have an heir apparent to the stool behind Neil Peart's skins it may be Hamilton. On nearly every song, in my notes I have 'drumming' underscored or marked with exclamation point. After this count on Mark Davidson bass playing.

The Android Meme's Ordo Ab Chao is intriguing and nearly esoteric in comprehension, but not inaccessible. Likely to be considered progressive rock or metal, but certainly not in the our most recognizable categories. But isn't that the point of creativity? Perhaps, in the future, The Android Meme will have the same iconoclastic and adventurous spirit of Rush, their countrymen. Recommended.




CraigHartranft.net - New fiction, crime fiction by Craig Hartranft

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

In Short

The Android Meme's Ordo Ab Chao is intriguing and nearly esoteric in comprehension, but not inaccessible. Likely to be considered progressive rock or metal, but certainly not in the our most recognizable categories. But isn't that the point of creativity?

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Powell-Payne: Voilá Album Review

The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]