Slightly nerdy punk rock.

Order Of Operation is certainly a punk album. Fuzzy powerchords, fast drums, yelling vocals, and minute-and-a-half songs. But something that is prevalent on every track that gives the songs a “nerdy‰” feel to them are the synths.

Instead of providing some background instrumentation as synths are prone to do, they take center stage along with the guitar and drums. The vocalists passionate yells are almost always accompanied by the electronic melodies that give a video game-like flavor to the album.

The entire album has a very angular feel to it; imagine the hardcore punk songs of days past except slightly neater and more structured. Rather than tearing up the stage as Black Flag would, I can imagine Ausmusteants standing very still on stage while playing, perhaps bobbing their heads or hopping on their toes a little.

RIYL: Devo, Captain Beefheart, Black Flag
Recommended: 1, 2, 3, 8