Devin Townsend | ‘Ki’

Another album from the prolific Townsend, who has been on a well deserved break for the past two years. This humble scribe is not familiar with much of Townsends previous work, apart from earlier releases such as “City”, so this album is being viewed afresh, without any preconceptions as such. And what does it offer?

This is a record filled with many different moods, and indeed differing extremes. Far away (for the most part) from the industrial sounds of Townsends past, there is in fact a certain eathiness to the album. Swathes of lovely clean guitar create mellow and melancholic atmospheres, with some very nice clean singing, at times reminiscent of Anathema’s Vincent Cavanagh.

Such peaceful moments later give way to disturbing screams and passionately aggressive passages. Almost like going into the Devin GhostTrain, we are on a journey here, and the fact that you have no idea what is coming next is what makes it interesting, vital, and always fresh. The female vocals of Ché Dorval give some very interesting contrasts also. Lyrical themes such as Devin’s new found sobriety, past addiction and personal revelation augment the music very well.

There is the feeling that Townsend has found a wonderful creative spark on this album; there are playful moments, moments of art-rock indulgence and wonderfully textured and sculpted guitar passages, as well as progressive, spaced out journeys through the expressive innerspace that is Townsends mind; but never does it tip into the sea of pointlessness.

Townsend knows when to make the cut, when to trim off the fat and keep the core of the music alive and unclouded by over-indulgence - you see, this is what makes the record work.

If one finds at times that this feels like a band jamming together, organically creating essential rock music like greats such as Pink Floyd or even Porcupine Tree, then that would be due to Townsends decision to source session musicians of a high-pedigree in his local Vancouver.

In particular, the drumming of former Jefferson Airplane and Powder Blues drummer Duris Maxwell, along with ambient keyboardist Dave Young brings some very interesting dimensions to this release. There is an almost analogue sound to it, with very little compression on the tracks, further accentuating the jazz rock and ambient tendencies that can be found in places to varying degrees.

It can’t be denied that this collection can be initially rather difficult; some would no doubt describe it as a frightening journey, filled with many twists and unexpected turns. However, the old adage holds true, and listening time is without doubt rewarded with increased listening pleasure. This one deserves your time.

4.5/5 - Colin Callanan ::: 25/06/09