Ocean Machine [CD]

If you're a stranger to Devin Townsend's music, then I can honestly say that you're missing out! He has a fantasic ability to create heavy AND tuneful melodies. A rare talent in the current world of designer disposable music. Not as mind blowing as 'Infinity' (hence only 4 stars, not 5) but this is an amazing recording by anyone's standards. After hearing this, you'll wonder why this man isn't playing stadium gigs...

In metal circles, Devin Townsend is a name that gets mentioned - praised - a lot. I was sceptical when I heard this for the first time. There are some wonderful melodies, but I was expecting a brutal sonic assault. Don't get me wrong, this does rock, but in a Monster Magnet sort of way. But give this 3 or 4 listens and it really does grow on you. Townsend is held in such high esteem because he does whatever he feels like doing and doesn't try to write fashionable numetal. There are some great melodies here, the pop-rock of Life instantly infectious. Townsend's sound is described as windy; this is probably the best description I could give, it's the sound of someone jamming on a mountain in the middle of nowhere. But this album is best appreciated when listened in tandem to his furious offering, Physicist which reeks of industrial hatred. It sounds nothing like this album, and makes you appreciate how good this Canadianis. Give this a spin, and let it grow on you - chances are you won't be disappointed.

This album is quite possibly the best of any of Devins work. His ideas are so innovative and I can't guarantee you that his music doesn't sound like anything else. It is an uncompromising, atmospheric and haunting album that takes you through a journey through the vast oceans of his mind. It seems that this music really was actually made by the ocean. It's very progressive and though the music has such complex arrangements it is in fact on the whole very catchy and accessible.

Seventh Wave
The opener for the album, you are sucked under straight away, with Devin's saw blade of majestic and massive guitar riffs, and what sounds strangely like Greek monks chanting. This all sets the scene for a mammoth of song that plods along nicely. The vocal arrangements are grandiose and hugely layered. It is truly impossible to describe without listening to it. Absolutely stunning.

Life
This song is inevitably pretty much a pop song, that doesn't mean it's not good right!? It's probably the most upbeat song on here. Soaring choruses and uplifting melodies are the order of the day here. By far the most commercial sounding thing Devin has ever written. The lyrics put across a really good message basically saying that you shouldn't waste your life and make the most of it.

Night
A song heavily based on atmospheric guitar and keyboard melodies but with a fast pace and somewhat conceptual lyrics. Simplicity is quite possibly the beauty of this song.

Hide Nowhere
Huge vocal harmony arrangements. This song goes to show just how talented Devin is as a vocalist. A song with a great chorus and driving, grooving rhythms.

Sister
A beautiful short song which somewhat allows you to take a break and prepare for the rest of this album, it leads into the next song

3 A.M.
Another short ambient track. Extremely touching and perfect. The way it leads into the next song is absolute genius.

Voices in the Fan
Interesting use of drum programming alongside regular drums. Spacey guitar sounds and delicate vocal work are very intricate. Ends with a beautiful haunting choir.

Greetings
Probably not the strongest track on the album. But having said that, listening to it now it really is amazing
Another relatively short song. The keyboard climax sets the scene for the next song, brace yourselves!

Regulator
This is arguably the best song on the album and a live favorite. However in my opinion it's actually second best you'll see why later! Crushing guitar riffs that seem to make every limb in your body vibrate. Provided you are playing loud enough! The HUGE chorus, with Devin's desperate and powerful vocals. It's amazing how anyone can pitch their high screams as well as Devin. Sorry Rob Halford today is not your day!

Funeral
A nice chilled out song, but plenty of driving rhythms and grooves all set in perfect atmospheric flawlessness. Not much to say here apart from just listen to the serene ambience and enjoy. Listen out for the seagull's at the end! After all remember this is still an Ocean Machine! Like most of the songs on the album, it leads into the next song. And the next song, ladies and gentlemen is most likely the most amazing thing you will ever heard. Once again the climax of atmospheric synths is present.

Bastard: Not One of My Better Days/Girl from Blue City
I cannot begin to describe just how ****ing awesome this song is. It is truly epic. It's over 10 minutes long and every second is filled with pure, dark atmospheric beauty. It has quite possibly one of the most massive riffs I've ever heard, that bands like Neurosis would kill for. If this doesn't give you chills up your spine then you must be wearing too many clothes or you have the heating too high. It is actually two songs in one the first obviously being Not One of My Better Days and the second one respectively being Girl from Blue City. This song is one of the kind that is truly life enhancing. The riffs are by far the best on the album, yes they are rather simplistic and there is no fancy solos or anything but that doesn't matter. It is true mood and atmosphere that really makes this song special. It's almost as if you can imagine you are in a desolate harbor town with old boats and worn out down buildings underneath a setting sun. If you don't believe me then read the lyrics and that's exactly what Devin wanted you to think! Hands down, the best song on the album and I wouldn't be afraid to say the best thing Devin has ever written.

The Death of Music
When you compare this to songs like `Life' and `Hide Nowhere' it's hard to believe that you are actually listening to the same album, let alone the same band! This is another haunting and epic song. Except there are no distorted guitar riffs or crashing drums, just a simple a drum rhythm and a ton of ambience. You can really hear the pain and emotion in Devin's voice. This is truly a heart stopping piece of art and a great way to close the album. Devin does some mumbling near the end about something to do with launching golf balls into the sea.

Thing Beyond Things
Most versions of this album have this bonus track so I guess I lied to a certain extent previously. This carries on the dark and haunting sound that you have experienced on the last two songs. Devin's vocals are calm and collective here. There is also a funny little surprise at the end, but I won't give that away. All I can say is Devin is a man of irony!

So to finish off I'd just like to say that if you are into Devin's other work and you haven't already got this then why you are being so blind! If you a fan of Strapping Young Lad and you haven't heard any of his solo stuff this is a good place to start. In some ways it is a lot like City (the two albums were written and recorded pretty much at the same time) without all of the aggression. Yes it is aggressive in some parts but as I said earlier, this is album is more based on atmosphere and passion. All I can say is buy it. It will change your life and if doesn't then maybe you don't have a soul.