The Order of Things

While examining rock through a minimal classical aesthetic, Tarentel floods the senses with sparsely orchestrated sounds that hit the head first, moving slowly toward the heart. Their approach appears rather cinematic, with strings drifting in and out of the nonlinear mix, reminiscent of Steve Reich or other 20th century avant-classical composers. Undoubtedly, The Order of Things is a strange flavor for the darkly lit world of Neurosis' Neurot Recordings. Combining acoustic guitar and light horns, the effect is almost bell-like as each note rings dramatically on "Adonai." "Popul Vuh" is a somber, violin-based voyage that breaks into a softened and contemplative post-rock bass/drums/guitar line that is unmistakably Chicago-ian. And "Death in the Mind of the Living" features the neo-pagan vocals of Windy Allen billowing against soft, understated piano trills. Jefre Cantu-Ledesma lets his tribal obsession flitter about restlessly, aiming to grasp so many different unspoken themes. Since 90 percent of the record is instrumental, conceivably he succeeds. He fashions The Order of Things in the vein of post-industrial ambient music and comes out with a respectable second long-player. It's hardly an envelope-pusher, but Ledesma does make rather original soundscapes out of the most pedestrian instrumentation.