Ecclectic. If any one word was to embody the musical mad scientist that is Devin Townsend, that would be it. This newest creation, under the Devin Townsend Project moniker, is about as far from Strapping Yonng Lad as we can get, and yet, its every bit as intriguing and infectious.
What Hevy Devy has given us this time around is a more laid back affair unlike anything I can recall from him. I hear a lot of Post Rock in the textures here, sort of like something Dredg or Sigur Ros would do if they joined forces with King Crimson. Then the natural curve balls pop up like the Simon & Garfunkel laced “Quiet Riot” (I’ll let you discover why it’s called that) and the Carl Perkins/Elvis Presley stomp of “Trainfire” (this track doesn’t stay this way, but it takes up the first few minutes of the song). “Distuptr” shows strong signs of that Robert Fripp influence I alluded to earlier (and even a little bit of King’s X). The middle of this tune (as well as “Gato” after it) showcases one of the albums more noisy/aggressive moments as well.
The album as a whole is an enjoyable slice of experimental, Progressive Rock music worthy of attention from not only Devin fans, but fans of the unusual and ambitious. Well worth seeking out and picking up.
This album is brilliant.
I find it funny that everyone who is reviewing it and interviewing Devin about it are saying it’s such a departure from what he’s done in the past though. If any of them have ever listened to any of his previous output (yes, even SYL) you can hear the sound that he has been perfecting ever since he started recording his own music.
I cannot wait to hear the other 3 discs in this project.
Way to go Devin, kudos on cleaning up also.
on May 25th, 2009 at 17:03I love this cd I’m listening to it now. I agree it does sound different from most of his other work, but then again every new album has its own unique identity and sound. I’m excited for the the rest of the DTP cds too, especially Deconstruction ;)
on May 26th, 2009 at 04:46I also think it sounds a bit different than his other stuff, too. Better. Sure there are similarities, but this one is just better, songwise, production-wise, attitude, etc.
on May 29th, 2009 at 10:39This is why it is called a PROJECT because Devin has experimented and tried to do a different kinda music. Its not what Devin used to do but hey its an Experiment.
on Feb 21st, 2010 at 14:56