CHAOS OUT OF ORDER

here are a few things that have to be mentioned right at the beginning of this review, and the first is that at the time of recording Matthew was underage and Jon and Woody were just 17. Yep, what we have here is the original 'Chaos Out of Order' which was released in 1988 as a cassette, plus an additional song from 1987, enhanced as opposed to remixed as the original tapes weren't up to the task so there has been some very minor tweaks here and there. Personally, I have been after this for years but have never been able to find a copy, which probably has a lot to do with Matthew never being happy with it and after the initial production of cassettes ran out it was not re-released. It took another five years before they produced 'Push & Profit', and another four after that for 'Unfolded Like Staircase', after which there was no more. Now, I firmly believe that Discipline are one of the finest progressive bands to come out of the States in the Nineties, and I have searched out live albums and compilations, and when the band reformed for the amazing 'To Shatter All Accord' in 2011 I was overjoyed. But, there was still that niggle, just what did 'Chaos Out of Order' sound like?

Many years ago I can remember chatting with Martin Orford, asking if IQ would ever reissue 'Seven Stories Into Eight', and at that time there was absolutely no plans to do so, but it was an album that many fans wanted to hear, no matter what it was like. Of course they later did make it available, along with a complete re-recording, and it was warmly received. But what about this one? Matthew has provided plenty of sleeve notes, along with the lyrics etc, but it is obvious that he has some reservations about making this available again after all these years, and in some ways I can understand why.

If this album was viewed on it's own without knowing anything about its' history or the age of those involved then it is quite possible then it wouldn't get the most favourable review in the world and a listener may believe that all of Discipline's album are similar. But, if you already know their music then this is a delight in so many ways. Even at such a young age the guys are demonstrating their music dexterity and handlings of complex layers and stylings. But, there is also a naivety in what they are performing, demonstrating promise while also showing the simplicity of youth. I was surprised at just how much I kept being reminded of Todd Rundgren when I played this, as it isn't an artist that I normally associate with these guys, which shows just how far they had to go to reach their true identity.

If you have yet to hear all of the other Discipline albums then gently walk away as this has not been made available for you. But, if like me you have never been able to get enough of their music and have for years wanted to hear this material then this is definitely for you. www.strungoutrecords.com

Although a couple of pieces from it - Mickey Mouse Man and Wrists - have found their way into more recent Discipline live setlists, in general Discipline haven't widely trumpeted the Chaos Out of Ordr demo tape - but all that's changed with this 25th anniversary reissue of the material. What we have here is a very early incarnation of Discipline, where the lush, meaty sound we've come to know on albums from Push and Profit onwards wasn't quite in place and the musicians were all still at an early stage in their musicla development.

Sound quality is actually pretty decent for a demo tape, and musically speaking there's interesting stuff on here, provided you have patience for extended instrumental noodling. It's a decent look at the 1980s Discipline sound and should be treasured for that, and happily it's also a fun listen in its own right, but if you haven't heard Discipline's major studio albums first I'd prioritise getting those over this.