Biomech

Even though I've never listened to Devin TOwnsend's stuff before, I never really liked him. That was mainly because Devin fanboys are almost as annoying as Tool fanboys, so for the sake of annoying said fanboys I didn't like him. (Lame, I know.) HAving finally caved in to curiousity though, I bought this album, and I wish I'd bought it earlier.

This album does something not too many bands can.. that is, make an album that conforms (for the most part) to the usual song structure, to the usual western music conventions, and yet is totally unique as a piece of music. I've never heard anyone that sounds remotely like this. Still, it's very accessible. Life could/should have been a number one single. It's uplifting, atmospheric and very melodic, with some super cool lead lines. Sister is a tranquil and intoxicating mix of synths and acoustic, creating a very oceanic kind of thing, which moves into 3 AM, which, as another reviewer said, really describes the soothing, calming, tranquil kind of atmosphere you get late at night. Regulator is fairly bleak for this record, but it's a great song, with some pretty cool vocals, some good synths, and just a feeling of desperation permeating throughout the whole song.

Of course, after this point, we move away from the more normal songs, with the next three songs taking up about 30 minutes. Luckily they're all done good. Funeral, despite the name, isn't all that depressing. Clean guitars quickly change into distorted, spaced out guitars, and it's fairly awesome. Vocals come and go, and the guitars slowly build and come back down. The constant 8th note beat does get a bit annoying, I guess, but overall it's a fantastic tune that slowly overwhelms you. Eventually, it breaks down to just drums, before coming back for a glorious finale. This song flows into Bastard, which is full of fairly similar ideas to Funeral, but it's a little bit darker. The guitars and great use of synths and vocals are again overwhelming, and this song is super powerful. It's a draining, exhausting bit of music. It's not something you'd listen to every day, but when you're in a crappy mood, this song will fit you perfectly. The ending is awesome, with massive waves of guitars and vocals washing over you. The Death of music is a great tune too- It will need a few listens to sink in, but the slow electronic drums and sound FX grow on you more and more. Devin's vocals are so emotional, and when it fits with the synths, it's incredible. Definetly one of the best songs ever written.

In the end, is a great record, with everything in it's perfect place. The vocals are done really well, and the guitars and synths fit in perfectly. The rythym section is hardly noticed, just keeping the beat. (WHich I think is the point.) Highly recommended for fans of mind-expanding music.