Album Review: Devin Townsend – Devolution Series #1 – Acoustically Inclined, Live in Leeds (InsideOut Music)

Previously only available in video format, Devin Townsend’s Devolution Series #1 – Acoustically Inclined, Live in Leeds will be released on March 19th 2021 via InsideOut Music.

Devin Townsend is currently working on new material for upcoming albums, and for a current lack of touring possibilities and encounters with fans on the road, he decided to do a series of live albums, quarantine albums, and generally interesting projects that keep people entertained while he’s busy on his next larger releases.

Devin comments:

So we bring to you the ‘Devolution Series’: a grouping of oddities and interesting material that I would like people to hear, but don’t necessarily want to present as a ‘major release.’ The series will include all the quarantine songs and concerts, as well as various live shows from the past few years.

The first release is a remixed and remastered version of the ‘Live In Leeds’ show that was originally on the ‘Empath’ Ultimate Edition. It was a cool acoustic show that deserves to be heard, I think, so we can use this as an introduction to the series. I’m am currently deep in the writing of my new projects and am very excited to be doing so. Thanks for facilitating my ability to do that, and I hope you enjoy the ‘Devolution Series’.

Now this is a nice release to have! Devin Townsend never fails to entertain and inspire, be it a more ‘normal’ set or something like this. A collection of his work, played live… acoustically. A live album that feels exactly like a live album should; crowd noise, playful banter and unique moments that don’t exist anywhere but here. Those who attended this show in Leeds in 2019 were treated to something rather special.

It begins with a long intro that involves Devin explaining the format of the show to the crowd, making jokes, then tuning up (anyone else and this would be infuriating) and playing some relaxing melodies.

The set properly begins with Let it Roll from 2006’s lesser loved Synchestra album before Devin takes us way back to 1997 and the Ocean Machine: Biomech album with Funeral. Both tracks sound immense in this environment. Devin Townsend could make the alphabet sound immense.

From the 2003 album ‘Accelerated Evolution’, Deadhead gets a welcome airing. Followed by Ih-Ah! from 2009’s Addicted and the Strapping Young Lad classic, Love? Taken from 2005’s Alien album. Three of the finest tracks that Devin Townsend has ever produced and given unique life here. Like many, hearing such an intense track like Love played acoustically is truly spectacular and it works so well, especially with the comedic touches he puts in. Of course, it does. It’s freaking Devin Townsend!

The latter part of the set focuses on two albums in particular, 2007’s Ziltoid the Omniscient and 2009’s Ki. The former having Hyperdrive and Solar Winds taken from it and the latter having Terminal and Coast taken from it. Transcendent stuff before this awesome release ends with Thing Beyond Things from Ocean Machine: Biomech again.

Here’s the thing. I love this but I love Devin Townsend. If you’ve never been able to get on board his train, this isn’t likely to change your mind because it is as unusual as anything and everything else the man does. This is for fans, it’s not an entry point for non-fans or a ‘best of’ collection. It’s just a special event available for all to hear on record for the first time.

Devin Townsend – Devolution Series #1 – Acoustically Inclined, Live in Leeds Full Track Listing:

1. Intro
2. Let It Roll
3. Funeral
4. Deadhead
5. Ih-Ah!
6. Love?
7. Hyperdrive
8. Terminal
9. Coast
10. Solar Winds
11. Thing Beyond Things

Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Twitch | Cameo