Android Meme | Ordo ab Chao
by Nikiforos Skoumas
Staff Writer
Ordo ab Chao is the debut album by Canadian modern melodic, progressive rock group Android Meme. The sound of Android Meme is built on thick rhythm guitars, melodic keyboards, harmonious vocals, progressive drumming, all complemented by layers of keyboard and synth samples. The line up features lead vocalist Stefano S. Amelio who also handles programming, guitarist Mathias A. Devereaux (also responsible for synthesizer arrangements), bassist Mark Davidson and drummer Jake Hamilton. So clearly one only has to note the contribution of each member to realize that the band draws towards the electronic, electro-rock sound.
One happily finds that Android Meme prioritize melody over progressive structures which makes their modern, unconventional approach more direct and catchy; for that matter the album has its fair share of infectious hooks which should appeal to most rock fans . Having established somewhat of a musical formula, it has to be addressed that in practice each song is substantially differentiated from the rest; the title track is pretty dark due to the dropped tuning on guitars and brutal vocals, “Left Right Parasite” and “Stranger” are rather atmospheric while “Whistleblower” comes close to the definition of modern Prog-pop.
Despite the multiple elements contributing to the sound of Android meme, after playing the album a good number of times one realizes that the protagonist instrument is actually the vocals. Just about every instrument performance on Ordo ab Chao perfectly complies with the vocal melodies so, in a sense, their progressive nature serves as a vehicle for catchy hooks and memorable choruses.
Overall despite the progressive nature of Android Meme, Ordo ab Chao has more of mainstream sound by modern rock standards and should appeal to fans of catchy modern rock as well as progressive-rock enthusiasts.
Genre: Modern Progressive Rock
Label: Magna Carta
Band:
Stefano S. Amelio: vocals, programming
Mathias A. Devereaux: guitars,vocals, synthesizers
Mark Davidson: bass
Jake Hamilton: drums
Track List:
1. The Machine Stops
2. Sumii
3. Polar Rose
4. Sigma
5. Ordo Ab Chao
6. Left Right Parasite
7. Esoterika
8. Spook
9. Whistleblower
10. Stranger
Website: http://www.myspace.com/theandroidmeme
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10