Order of Things

Certainly fans of Mogwai, Godspeed You Black Emperor, and the like have found Tarentel quite enjoyable as well. Nearly two years after their stunning debut album, From Bone To Satellite, the band is back with The Order of Things, released on Neurosis' label Neurot. In addition to the traditional guitar/bass/drums Tarentel sound, all expressed in minor key melancholy chord progressions, there's some new elements incorporated -- string sections, horns, accordion, field recordings and even some sad, beautiful bell-clear folk vocals courtesy of Wendy from Court & Spark (in an epic rendition of 'Ghosty Head' by Rickie Lee Jones).

Fair warning to all of you fans of bombastic, epic rock: there are no Mogwai-esque explosions on here. As a matter of fact there are only about 5 minutes worth of drums on the whole album. And some unfortunate funky bass. And a lot of waiting for something to happen. This record is not nearly as conventional as their debut, and reflects the band's recent leanings towards more experimental, less predictable song structures, which is a good thing when executed well, and I'm not quite sure what's happening here but I think The Order of Things is a transition piece for Tarentel, from the crowd pleasing song structures of their debut to a more truly experimental future.