Review Summary: One album to rule them all, and in the Devin-ness bind them.
Behold! Air to breathe amidst these shiny, invitingly breezy bops. Huge, orchestral, deafening sci-fi metal numbers are lesser than some albums. There lies the charm, the fat is cut somewhat. Grounded to Earth for this release, shades of Epicloud occur, but only so much as a light dressing. Today’s Devin involves a floaty soundscape - dare I say - reminiscent of dream pop, while fervently exploring balmy choruses and typical synth wonkiness. It’s still Devin, but less obnoxious. Alien soundscapes are around, but greatly reduced. His trademark growl singing also shows up for flirts and accenting, but not in a startling way. It’s dramatic metal as usual, but much more radio ready.
The bluster is down, but Devin wears the crown. Riffs may be simple and pale in comparison to Empath, Ziltoid, and Deconstruction, but let’s not compare this release to those. Lightwork is a Heavenly ride through the clouds, a completely distinct entity. This is the kind of Devin album you could show to your grandchildren without having them make fun of your taste in music. When those soothing vocals slide in Equinox you may even think of the band Beach House. On the other hand, the entire album reminded me of the band Genesis. Whatever group you’re reminded of just know it’s thanks to Devin’s creativity in melody work. It’s chilling, mysterious, cinematic, everything you want from the metal mastermind. Come get some.
This album is leaps and bounds above anything on Empath. Heartbreaker and Dimensions are my least favorites, but everything else here is really good! Best thing he's done since Casualties honestly.
I like this a lot so far. I saw someone call it beach metal earlier and I’ve been looking for more beach vibes in music for a long time, so this has been nice
It’s about time he had some outsider ears come in because whilst the songs might not be the best, this album is easily be best sounding one. Everything is crisp and clean and whilst I love him, some of Devin’s albums can be an exhausting listen production wise.
Disc 1 is Lightwork, disc 2 is Nightwork, a companion album that features the more eccentric songs, I suppose. 7 songs across both LPs were demos he released back at the start of quarantine era via YouTube. Happy they’ve found a home. Sober is too damn beautiful. Love both discs very much.
Great review! Haven't listened to any Devin Townsend outside of SYL, Deadhead (live version) and Kingdom so I need to actually listen to one of his solo projects in full (I did listen to Ziltoid a few years ago once but I remember nothing about it outside the concept). Excited to give this a listen.
"Reigned in" is a good way to put this album. Just great, solid Devy songwriting. A couple curveballs in there like Heartbreaker and Heavy Burden keep things interesting and proggy. More focused and inspired overall - I think I prefer this to Empath as well.
I think I'd like this more if he dialed back the zany-ness a bit. Too many random sounds/ideas that don't quite work, and even when they do work, there's too many of them barraged at you.
Don't get me wrong, it's still good, definitely has its high points, and I'm still a devy fanboy. But if you look at an album like Transcendence which, while also good, was probably his safest album, and then this album.. my ideal would be probably right in the middle.
