Ausmuteants – “Order of Operation” – [Goner Records]

Thurston Hunger   10/23/2014   A Library, CD

Some people seem to want a musical war between New Zealand
and Australia. If so, airlift this Aussie quartet to the front
as either a secret weapon or cannon fodder. Super goofy synth
with rock and roll commando drumming, they aim for that
seriously unserious attack. At the point of Devo-lution
when spud boys leaned towards the dead boys, that point is
a reference for these panicky punkish rawkers. “Now Whole”
felt like the outro rock number from John Hughes remake of
“The Elephant Man.” The album starts with a driving bass,
chattering guitar and arcing synth while vocals snurkle
“You’re itching to see me, but I don’t wanna touch”
Sounds like they’re getting their act together without
maturing too much, they bonk the stupid funny punk bone
with reckless fecklesness. Overall synth is nice and
disgusted and guitar sparks enough…

-Thurston Hunger