DEVIN TOWNSEND – PowerNerd (2024) *HQ*
DEVIN TOWNSEND is an artist who truly never fails, as everything he’s done is at least interesting (if not very good or extraordinary). Even when his output is relatively familiar and safe, it’s still quite rewarding because of how inspirational, adventurous, and delightfully characteristic it is.
Such is the case with with brand new album “PowerNerd“, an ‘easy listening’ record, delivering another remarkably moving and exploratory collection that packs few surprises but plenty of heart and entertainment.
Indeed, “PowerNerd” is probably one of Devin’s least complicated, more jovial albums in some time. It’s actually pretty dark, so maybe that sounds like a contradiction, but the album certainly has its tongue planted deeply within its cheek, and there are various moments of humor and lightheartedness.
Devin himself said that he wanted this to be a fun party record with rocking accessible riffs, but as with most of his albums, there is an introspective side to it, as well.
The opening title track sets the stage with a frenetic and energetic, straight-ahead rocker that could fit along side any mid-80s hair-band compilation. With Devin exclaiming “POWERNERD!” to kick off the song, you immediately get the idea that maybe this album is more along what the fans have come to expect, high-energy and fun.
From there the album maintains the wall or sound production with songs massive songs like “Falling Apart,” “Gratitude,” and “Jainism.” All tracks deal with either overcoming obstacles or embracing one’s situation, always maintaining a level of positivity. And they each sound huge – big guitars, loud drums, and tons of vocals.
There are also more tracks that keep the rock edge like “Knuckledragger” and the second single “Jainism” which showcases Devin’s ability to still write a killer guitar riff. The album closes on maybe two of the best tracks, the powerful “Goodbye” which Devin has expressed as a difficult song to record, and the closer “Ruby Quaker” a mix of folk and somber metal about coffee. Perhaps, no explanation of a song screams Devin more. You will no doubt be singing, “Coffee, coffee, I love that coffee.”
While Devin does the bulk of of the playing on this, he is joined by a lot of familiar faces including drummer Darby Todd, keyboardist Deigo Tejeida, and guitarist Mike Keneally, as well as bassist Jean Savoie and vocalists Tanya Ghosh, Jamey Jasta, and Aman Khosla.
Devin is a complicated artist to comprehend at times, but never predictable. With this group of tracks, he presents a version that is more down the middle of what his sound has been over his 40 year career.
While he doesn’t exactly present anything particularly new here, there are plenty of heavy songs, accessible songs, and crazy songs, a perfect mix of Devin Townsend.
If you have avoided listening to Devin, this album is a great place to start. If you’re a long-time fan, you already know to expect the unexpected.
Highly Recommended
01 – PowerNerd
02 – Falling Apart
03 – Knuckledragger
04 – Gratitude
05 – Dreams of Light
06 – Ubelia
07 – Jainism
08 – Younger Lover
09 – Glacier
10 – Goodbye
11 – Ruby Quaker
Devin Townsend – Vocals, Guitars, Synths, Bass, Computer
Darby Todd – Drums
Diego Tejeida – Keyboards, Synths
Mike Keneally – Guitar, Additional Keyboards
Jean Savoie – Additional Bass
Aman Khosla – Additional Vocals
Tanya Ghosh – Additional Vocals
Jamie Jasta – Additional Vocals
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