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Devin Townsend is easily one of the most productive musicians in the prog and metal spaces, as not only around the does he release material frequently but there are often multiple projects in the works at any given time. With such an expansive discography and regular shifts in musical styles, there’s usually something for every taste but also albums that are likely to just not click with everyone. Following a couple of lengthier and more complex efforts, this year’s PowerNerd opts for more straightforward rock and metal songwriting with a noticeably bright tone and plenty of hooks. It’s been said that this is an outlet Devin to tackle some ideas and more traditional writing styles that don’t fit with other ongoing projects, and while it’s a bit less progressive than some may prefer there’s still plenty here that will please fans and newcomers alike.
At just under forty-five minutes, it’s clear that in terms of scope PowerNerd is a bit more approachable for those that aren’t as well versed in Devin Townsend’s ever-increasing discography. It certainly knows how to draw you in, as the title track goes for a big, booming sound and punchier hooks that fall somewhere between hard rock and heavy metal. “Falling Apart” continues this approach but slows things down a bit, and the type of sweeping melodies mixed with heavier instrumentation reminds me of a happier take on Strapping Young Lad and earlier Devin Townsend Project with a little gothic rock/metal injected in for good measure. Although PowerNerd initially suggests that it will be an entirely heavy affair, but keeping in line with more recent material as you get further in the songs move between softer and reflective instrumentation and heavier moments. Sometimes this comes in the form of “Jainism”, which moves from moodier and keyboard laden melodies into a huge, room shaking peak, but there are also moments like “Goodbye” which are much closer to 80s arena rock. Despite the more stripped-down nature of the material, that doesn’t mean that they are lacking the layering and other elements Devin Townsend is known for and when things expand outwards on “Gratitude” and “Glacier” they really tug at your emotions. But it wouldn’t be a Devin album without some curveballs, and “Ruby Quaker” serves as another wild ride and feels like more of a bonus track after the real closer “Goodbye”. “Ruby Quaker” greets you with acoustic guitar and instrumentation that feels somewhere between country and 50s rock ‘n roll, but around the three-quarter mark it goes into shred mode and delivers some genuinely blistering instrumentation. This song may prove to be an acquired taste, but I personally loved the tonal whiplash and the way everything came together. Admittedly there are some flaws with PowerNerd despite how enthusiastic I’ve been up to this point, as a few of the softer numbers on the second half run together thanks to some similar set-ups and there are some quirks to the production that didn’t fully click.
On the vocal front, it feels like Devin Townsend has captured a little bit of everything from across his discography and delivered it in a way that has maximum impact on the listener. Early on there are some more aggressive yelling/screaming ranges alongside high-energy singing that brings things back around to the metal side of the spectrum, but on later tracks like “Glacier” the singing is much more subdued and channels a lot more traditional progressive rock. As with the instrumentation, this is never a cut and dry approach as even “Glacier” has just a hint of harsher vocals, but there’s a noticeable shift from the first half to the second in terms of a high energy versus more laid-back approach. This ties together with the lyrical content, which runs the gamut from brighter, positive fare, more reflective and somber material, and plenty of tongue and cheek and comedic elements that break up the heavier moments. “Ruby Quaker” is a great example of Devin Townsend’s humor, as it takes the country and early rock ‘n roll elements and uses them as an ode to coffee. I recently had some circumstances in my life that made some of PowerNerd’s lyrics particularly impactful, but whether it hits quite the same for you or not there’s something to be said about Townsend’s ability to generate that type of connection with listeners.
How much you get out of PowerNerd is likely to depend on which elements you value in a Devin Townsend release. If you’re more interested in the progressive songwriting and complexity of some of the other albums in the discography, this one might be a bit too straightforward. But if you like strong hooks and Townsend’s unique vocal and lyrical approaches, there’s a lot to like here and just as much substance as anything else he’s put out in recent memory. It’s not quite a top five favorite for me in Devin Townsend’s discography given a few of the lulls on the second half, but still a mandatory listen for anyone that likes some genuinely fun and catchy hard rock and heavy metal. PowerNerd is available from InsideOut Music.
-Review by Chris Dahlberg