REVIEW: The Devlins, Waiting (Radiouniverse)
- Jon Steltenpohl
The new Devlins album is the first "must have" album I've come across since the last Ani DiFranco release. Without ego posturing and claiming they're the next Beatles, these Irish brothers (Colin and Peter) just do music the right way. Like Toad the Wet Sprocket's emphatic, straight-forward sound, the songs on Waiting are impeccable and enduring. The Devlins give us one of those deja vu albums that, from first chord, makes you think you've been there before.
The musical tone set by Waiting is atmospheric and driving. Colin Devlin's lyrics replay glimpses of all his losses and anxieties for us. Moody indulgence hasn't gone out of style despite Morrissey's excesses, and The Devlins are content at simply presenting the honest truth. But, no matter how much it hurts, these guys never seems to give up on a relationship. As the title track emphasizes, "If you ever change your mind, I'll still be waiting". Waiting where you wonder? "At the turnstile", "in a daydream", "with the orphans", and... Well, you get the point. "Waiting" is the epitome of the Devlins. It's an unrequited love song drowning in calculated self pity and mellow martyrdom. Yet, it treads the narrow path between going over the top and wimping out. Subtly, Colin pleads his case, but he never loses his cool.
As with any great song writers, the brothers Devlin capture perfect vignettes of climaxing relationships. There's lovers coming, going, and wondering what the hell happened. "Years Could Go By" has a pulsing guitar driving a sad chorus of cellos. Sings Colin, "And I look in your eyes, and I feel no surprise, when you tell me now you have to go away." It's depressing, but it never feels overly melodramatic. One begins to wonder how many failed relationships the guys have been in. "Where Are You Tonight" has him pondering what went wrong, and "Disappear" is a kiss off. In "Surrender", he pleads for love, and in "Reckless", he's trying to put a relationship back together.
Writing smart, modern pop wasn't good enough for these two brothers from Ireland. No, The Devlins brought in producer Pierre Marchand and mixer Tom Lord-Alge to perfectly polish this album. Marchand is famous for producing Sarah McLachlan (whom the Devlins have toured with). Double Grammy winner Lord-Alge has "only" mixed just about everyone on the planet including recently Oasis, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, and Black Grape. When teamed with an incredible band like The Devlins, these two are guaranteed success.
Marchand adds keyboards and atmospheric touches that are simply incredible. There is a lot of similarity between this album and James' 1993 album, Laid, which featured the hit "Say Something". Brian Eno produced Laid, and Marchand is nothing if not a protege (and friend) of both Eno and Daniel Lanois. These guys all have the amazing ability to make a song sound quiet and moody without giving up a mesmerizing beat. Marchand's work with Sarah McLachlan is a perfect example of taking what could be ordinary music and turning it into something electrifying.
Waiting is certainly a masterpiece. The songs can be quiet, and the lyrics pensive. In fits of despair foreshadowed by a grating guitar, The Devlins tear small bits of pain from each song. Anyone acquainted with the work of Sarah McLachlan will understand the mood, but any fan of decent music should be pleased by this excellent album.
