The Devin Townsend Project - Addicted [2009]

First thing I notice is that the vocals a bit more buried than I thought they'd be. "Addicted!" is attacking the heavier side of Devin that reminds me a lot of the stuff he did with SYL. "Universe in a Ball!" is more punchy and a little more catchy. Large up-tick in catchiness with "Bend it Like Bender!". "Supercrush!" keeps the catchiness and adds beauty into the chorus. Wow, "Hyperdrive!" is more of the same from the previous two tracks. The album started heavy, but not catchy and not in sync with itself. However, after that uninspiring start, things really pick up and great songwriting comes through. The focus of the vocals on this album is on female lead vocals. "Resolve!" really passes by without even being noticed, but "Ih-Ah!" yanks the attention back to the music with it's beauty. Boring start to "Numbered!", but it does mostly redeem itself by the middle of the song. There are extremely effective and pretty unique uses of effects littered around the album. I just can't believe what a turnaround this album had after the beginning couple tracks. It went from a creative but boring style to an excellent emotional adventure through beautiful soundscapes.

Rating: 8.25

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The Devin Townsend Project - Ki [2009]

Extremely easy-going start to the album. It's quite soothing and gentle. I love the way "Coast" slowly eases into a bit of chaos without actually committing to it... it's quite suspenseful. "Disruptr" demonstrates perfect and very well-through-out placement of effects with a gritty guitar jabbing through. The accents really come through as well. This one also eases into metal, but ends up somewhat committing to it... the vocals do at least, the guitar distortion doesn't really change, making it a very unique sound. "Gato" really catches the ear and wonderfully massages it... with warm butter. "Heaven Send" has quite a nutty solo to it. This is such a soothing album that I don't even mind that it's pretty long. It does have some creative elements to it like the slow crescendo of chaos that occurs occasionally. The chaos has double-duty, though, in the form of also being the sole variation found in the album. I wish there was a bit more variation. At the same time, the songs are very carefully crafted and the soothing nature of the music is so relaxing and effective.

Rating: 8.5

http://www.hevydevy.com/

All ratings are out of 10. Rating may not be a whole number.