Something Wicked This Way Comes
'Out of Order' is the debut album from Leeds based Infrasound, having already notched up tours with the likes of Kasabian, Maximo Park and the Futureheads coupled with appearances at Leeds and Reading festivals, they are certainly putting the groundwork in. Despite the highly unoriginal album title you'll be pleased to hear that the content is far better!
Straight up rock and roll in a U2 vein, this is an exceptionally produced album and it makes a real difference. The vocal delivery is urgent and passionate and that's what immediately strikes you. Vocals alone do not make a record though and fortunately Infrasound have plenty of musical ability to go with them. What really works for Infrasound is that they have that unique ability to sound great without any of the tracks being instantly catchy. Certainly they're good songs and whilst listening to them you will invariably find yourself nodding your head but I've yet to come away humming one (although 'Headlights' is making a case!). That said, every time I listen to it I find myself thinking what a good album it is, thus the indefinable quality!
Musically Infrasound have one foot in the 80's but it's by no means overbearing, there are shades of Joy Division on occasion and the aforementioned U2 but you certainly couldn't argue that their overall impression is not contemporary. The single 'Deerhunter' is possibly the most representative of their overall sound, forthright in it's delivery and yet fairly simple in structure, it really demonstrates the energy that pervades throughout the album. The majority of the songs are upbeat, driving affairs and whilst there is little variety in terms of the instrument sound, vocal effects are put to good use and harmonies are used to good effect but only where necessary. 'Still Life' draws the most obvious comparisons to U2 but this can only be done in a positive way, that such a comparison immediately comes to mind should be taken as a compliment. I can think of no other band that would warrant such an accolade!
The real triumph of 'Out of Order' is that there is no filler material, certain songs are better than others but taken on their own merits there are no bad songs on offer here. As a package the effect is highly impressive and this will surely be doubled in effect if they deliver a live performance with half the passion. If you really had to make criticisms you could perhaps take issue with some of the uninspiring song titles and we can merely speculate about why they don't appear to have a website?
All of this seems rather immaterial though when you're listening to excellent tracks such as 'Dusty Radio', however, if they don't get the recognition they deserve because of a lack of publicity then they will only have themselves to blame. A thoroughly solid album from a thoroughly impressive band.