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September 3, 2010 |
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01. Let It Roll
02. Hypergeek
03. Triumph
04. Babysong
05. Vampolka
06. Vampira
07. Mental Tan
08. Gaia
09. Pixillate
10. Judgement
11. A Simple Lullaby
12. Sunset
13. Notes From Africa
14. Sunshine And Happiness (Hidden Track)
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Where does one even begin when reviewing an album like this? I mean... I honestly don't even know how to categorize the majority of what I'm hearing here, let alone wax lyrical on the sonic specifics and particulars contained within. But then again, it could never be said that any of the musical platters on offer from the vast, unearthly cerebral planes of Devin Townsend's (vox, guitar, computer/keys/programming, vision) psyche were "easy" to dissect and analyze. No... when it comes to Devin, the operative words are always more aptly chosen along the lines of challenging, provocative, eccentric, eclectic, and unique to say the very least. But easy? Never.
"Synchestra" marks Townsend's (and band's - including Ryan Van Poederooyen - drums, Mike Young - bass/tuba/stand-up bass, Dave Young - keyboards/grand piano/Hammond organ/mandolin, and Brian Waddell - guitar) second release under the THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND moniker, previous effort being 2001's excellent "Accelerated Evolution". But whereas "Accelerated Evolution" - a fantastic effort in its own right - still wasn't too much of a musical departure from what we had heard to date from other Hevy Devy projects such as the very Rock/Metal-oriented OCEAN MACHINE and PHYSICIST... "Synchestra" seems to take more of a cue from his "quirkier", more epic and expansive works such as "Terria" and "Infinity" which flirted with greater Jazz and Progressive influences in than anything he had attempted previously at the time. But whereas even these releases betrayed a degree of restraint, "Synchestra" marks a decided conceptual and sonic "180" in terms of the direction Devin seems to be heading with this current musical incarnation. For truly "Synchestra" all but abandons any ties to previous output, more or less discarding the "Metal" format entirely and forging ahead in what can only be termed a wholly "Prog" direction with far closer conceptual ties to the likes of SPOCK’S BEARD, VAI, the various DREAM THEATER-member side projects, and even PORCUPINE TREE or at times (dare I say it!?!) COLDPLAY or RADIOHEAD than anything even remotely SYL or otherwise typically Devin-as-we've-come-to-expect-him-thus-far in nature. And you know what? It works wonderfully.
The album opens with a gently lulling acoustic piece - "Let It Roll" - which for some reason instantly causes me to reference some of the finer moments from JETHRO TULL's catalogue as translated through a more modern Rock sensibility. There's just something so warm and organically inviting about the chord progression on this track that the listener can't help but be drawn into the album right from the get-go. Great introduction track! From here things get progressively (no pun intended!) more varied, eclectic, and frankly "weird" throughout... yet always remaining listenable, thought-provoking, and memorable in the process. In fact, each track tends to bleed into the next almost as one single conceptual piece rife with all manner of musical peaks and valleys that work as a continual expression of shifting, morphing moods and emotional "colours". As such it's almost an exercise in futility dissecting this thing on a track by track basis. There are however highlights. "Hypergeek" rides an addictive groove wrought with hooky leads and expressive vocals. "Triumph" contains some amazing guest guitar work from none other than Townsend's mentor Steve Vai who places his instantly recognizable and distinct six-string stamp upon the proceedings. "Babysong" sails a trancelike wave before leading into the self-explanatory "Vampolka/Vampira" which alternate between upbeat and cheerful, and "rawking out" in that unmistakable way that only Devin can orchestrate. I also really enjoy the spacious, expansive guitar work on later tracks such as "Gaia" and "Pixillate" which lead one on an inspiring aural journey towards the sort of reflective, positive vibes sadly too often unheard in a lot of modern Rock/Metal efforts. There's more... so much more... from quieter, reflective acoustic moments, to Worldbeat, to BEATLESesque references, to almost trip-hoppy experimentalism and beyond. This is an album which at once knows no boundaries yet at the same time somehow, inexplicably and oh so magically manages to catch and ride a wave of consistency that works with astonishing expression and clarity.
To say that this is a piece of work that is ahead of its time (certainly within the confines of the broad musical circle that encompasses "Metal" and related genres these days) would be an understatement of monumental proportions. "Synchestra" is a shining example of music created for that most pure of reasons... the simple enjoyment of music. Creating it. Expressing oneself through it. Feeling it. Loving it. Playing it. Enjoying it. This is what Devin Townsend and band convey with the songs on offer here on "Synchestra". And man... in a time when even Metal is often so damned cookie-cutter formulaic and predictable... isn't that a wonderful, beautiful, and necessary statement to make?
"Synchestra" is a triumph in every sense. This is the album which will make the wider world sit up and take notice of what THE DEVIN TOWNSEND BAND is capable of. The scary thing is... and I think many of you will agree... I think Townsend is just getting started.
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