Review: ORDER - Saru EP

Japan's ORDER have evolved considerably since 2002's full length Taep'o-dong, which was for the most part a direct tribute to late 70's UK punk. The Japanese take on UK punk was nothing new, nor was it's perfect execution but there was no DISCHARGE or MOTORHEAD to be heard, as is often the case. Instead there was snotty, bouncy sing-along fun. But there was a side that was willing to experiment and sound different, and I'm glad that the band has decided to move forward and develop a sound all their own. Instead of rip-off camp, ORDER have exhibited tendencies that verge on being over-the-top in delivery, such as on the amazing anthem "Space Junk", on 2003's split 7" with legendary punk thrashers WARHEAD. Many Japanese bands have a unique ability to make excess work in their music. "Space Junk" came out of nowhere and stood alone as the band's greatest work. Although there isn't such excess on this two-song EP, there are hints, such as in tastefully-used vocal effects used in "Sirokiru". Their WARHEAD split doesn't seem to be a one-off or fluke; ORDER seems confident and secure in a developed sound now made all their own. All the elements of UK punk are still there but there is no longer any copying but instead a unique interpretation. Thangzaru's bass leads the way with his infectious bouncing lines that are the core of the band's sound. Kohsukezaru's vocals snarl and bark, meshing perfectly with the band. ORDER have yet another EP coming soon, titled Toyota, and I'll look forward to hearing what they'll come up with next. With all the noted enduring bands that have recently either gone on hiatus or have been brought tragically to an end, I'd dare to say that ORDER has risen to the occasion and are at the pinnacle of today's Japanese punk scene.
(2007, HG Fact - http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/hgfact)

Track Listing:
A: "Sirokiru"
B: "Zero"