Review by Rachel Jablonski
Devin Townsend has always been a most interesting and diverse character. His heavy antics both musically and emotionally have set him apart as a true inspiration for heavy music enthusiasts. Perhaps best known as the front man of the heavy, loud, and chaotic band Strapping Young Lad, over the years Townsend has continually attempted to diversify with solo projects such as Accelerated Evolution, Terria, and Ziltoid the Omniscient. Though all of these accomplishments are enjoyable and possess their own unique flavors, Townsend has never really strayed too far from his heavy signature sound… until now that is.
Ki, Townsend’s latest endeavor intended to be the first in a series of four albums released this year, is beautifully constructed with soft, emotion-filled melody and patient, thoughtful rhythms. The overall mellow tone with well timed and appropriately placed variations and heavy bursts is a delight. Ki is a masterpiece that perfectly blends clean acoustic guitar and distorted electric guitar, male and female vocals, effects, and diversified musical styles from soft rock to aspects reminiscent of Pink Floyd to jazz to techno to borderline country to metal.
A soft echo of a guitar begins the album and sets the overall withdrawn temperament in an instrumental track called “A Monday”. “Coast” follows with soft, melodic vocals and a feel good, steady beat. The song has a Pink Floyd vibe at times, particularly in the invigorating musical breakdown towards the end of the song which eventually turns into a techno-like feel. “Terminal”, which also has a Pink Floyd flavor, is powerful, emotional, and one of the best tracks on the album. Almost like a lullaby, the song is soothing and draws the listener in deep to a place of reflection and introspection. Soft and dark in tone, the lyrics focus on letting go and leaving alone which becomes quite personal to the listener immersed in the stimulating melodies and tones.
With these tracks it becomes apparent that Ki is meant to illustrate a softer, more sundry side of Townsend. But fear not metal fans! The heavy guitars and growls that we all know and love are intertwined as well.
“Disruptr” has a rather nonchalant tempo with dismal, distracted lyrics and a bit of a sludgy guitar riff. Tension builds as the song progresses and eventually the sound becomes heavy. “Gato” and “Heaven Send” also have heavy aspects with guitar distortion and vocal growls.
So Townsend reveals his heavy music strengths and showcases his softer side on Ki. But then he takes diversification one step further by incorporating other musical styles and twists that demonstrate his natural aptitude as a musician. “Gato” and “Heaven Send” along with a few other tracks debut a female guest vocalist. The male/female vocal mix works well and even though the two never harmonize or sing at the same time, the variation of vocals adds depth to the songs both through melody and catchy choruses. “Ain’t Never Gonna Win…” possesses a trippy, jazzy, upbeat vibe throughout the instrumental track. “Winter” has a slower, darker, jazzy aura and added effects that keep interest throughout the song despite just one lyrical phrase: How in the world can winter fall apart… all away, all away. But perhaps even more exceptional for Townsend is another great track called “Trainfire”.
“Trainfire” begins with a train whistle, a folksy musical sound, and a beat that puts a bounce in your step. Initially the listener may think, “Oh no, please don’t be a country song!” An Elvis sounding vocal follows; an interesting sound for Townsend that actually works quite well. A Wild West sounding piano accompaniment breaks in. Though the song is intended to border country music, the song structure and musical progressions do not make is so. Great melody intertwined female vocals, heavy guitars, and olden versus modern day sounds make this track extremely captivating.
Ki is emotional, thoughtful, calming, diverse, and wonderful. Devin Townsend takes composition, creativity, and musicianship to the next level in his evolving career and is deserving of infinite praise for this undertaking.