The Orders: The Orders

Every so often, the test for whether or not someone will like a given release is ridiculously simple. In this instance, in order to determine how much you’ll dig this debut four song EP from Finland’s the Orders, you need only be (1) a fan of Interpol and (2) interested in listening to another band that sounds exactly like Interpol. The answer to part two is tricky. Your immediate impulse might be to say, “Heck, I sure do like Interpol, so why wouldn’t I like these Orders fellows?” Both bands dress snazzily in black, play a moody, post-punky form of 21st century indie rock, and have a lead singer who sounds just like Paul Banks. But only one of those group’s lead singers actually is Paul Banks, and that points to the problem here. The Orders come across as an Interpol tribute band, only they happen to be playing their own material. Said material, though, is actually pretty darn good. First track, the burning “Where It Always Rains”, features an aching, reverberating guitar lick that’ll melt your gothy little heart. And “Desperation Takes Hold” is a brooding beauty with that classic Interpol guitar picking and vocals bathed in candle-lit drama. Your own measure of desperation for new material that, if not truly Interpol, at least reminds of you of Interpol, will decide for you how badly you need to hear the Orders. Most of us, I think, will be content to wait for a new album from the genuine article.