Devin Townsend is an artist who actually by no means fails, as all the pieces he is carried out is not less than excellent (if not nice or extraordinary). Even when his output is comparatively acquainted and protected, it is nonetheless fairly rewarding due to how inspirational, adventurous, and delightfully attribute it’s. Such was the case with 2022’s Lightwork – which had the misfortune of following his all-encompassing creative masterpiece, 2019’s Empath – and now the identical is true for 2024’s PowerNerd. That stated, it is arguably superior (but largely comparable) to Lightwork, delivering one other remarkably transferring and exploratory assortment that packs few surprises however loads of coronary heart and leisure.
Naturally, some musicians from Lightwork seem right here, too, together with drummer Darby Todd, keyboardist Deigo Tejeida, and guitarist Mike Keneally; plus, Townsend is joined by bassist Jean Savoie and vocalists Tanya Ghosh, Jamie Jasta, and Aman Khosla. According to Townsend, PowerNerd was “written with a really clear intent” of going in opposition to his common tendency of being too analytical/crucial and meticulous together with his work. He explains:
“I really feel that I sometimes have been — and it is not at all times been a nasty factor — however I are likely to overthink issues lots. And I get actually sophisticated with issues that generally… not less than proper now I felt like that wasn’t what I needed to do, so I gave myself parameters for PowerNerd. I gave myself twelve days to jot down it, and 1 day to rehearse it. Darby Todd got here in from the UK after which two and a half days to trace drums, bass and guitar. And if it was to not work it might have been a colossal failure. However I am completely satisfied to say it is exceptionally heavy, and exceptionally cool.”
Elsewhere, he adds that forcing himself to be markedly carefree but inflexible concerning his creativity and productiveness, allowed him to “have the chance to be a bit extra direct with what it’s that [he’s] making an attempt to do” and “minimize via among the meandering.” To his credit score, PowerNerd is a concise and centered experience that embodies (however would not considerably alter or reinvigorate) Townsend‘s one-of-a-kind brilliance.
As an example, the opening title observe mixes trademark Townsend encouragements and eccentricities. Particularly, its hyperactive tempo, raucous angle, sing-along hooks, and orchestral manufacturing are paired with inspirational lyrics similar to “All these items we are saying to ourselves / Time to rise / Put that shit on the shelf / All these years spent down in a gap / Time for all times and rock and roll!” On condition that he defines a “powernerd” as “a complete fucking badass” who “via tenacity and perseverance, turned what society might deem as a ‘weak point’ right into a superpower,” it certainly does justice to its namesake, and it is a triumphant approach to being in a number of methods.
From there, the LP bounces round recognizable templates with loads of panache and fervour. Particularly, there’s the Terria-esque symphonic fury and introspective gentleness of “Falling Aside”; the Sky Blue-esque shimmering empowerments of “Glacier” and “Gratitude”; the Synchestra-esque danceable flamboyances of “Ruby Quaker”; the Ghost-esque ambient peacefulness of “Goals of Mild”; and the Transcendence-esque cosmic catharsis of “Jainism.”
In fact, all these comparisons are meant as optimistic observations relatively than main criticisms. Truthfully, the truth that Townsend can evoke so many facets of his prior work whereas nonetheless providing substantial intrigue and satisfaction is a testomony to his variety, confidence, and originality. In different phrases, PowerNerd undeniably remembers a few of its predecessors, however contemplating that Townsend‘s discography is extraordinarily diverse but splendidly singular, these parallels not often get in the way in which of what he is making an attempt to perform. (Okay, okay, “Glacier” does resemble “Before We Die” a tad an excessive amount of.)
It is also value noting that PowerNerd incorporates a handful of Townsend‘s most charmingly amusing moments in fairly a while, together with declarations of “I like petting the cat,” “I’ve bought large balls,” and “Espresso, espresso, I like that espresso” throughout “PowerNerd,” “Knuckledragger,” and “Ruby Quaker,” respectively. These bits show that Townsend stays completely able to making listeners snigger at goofy humor in-between his deeply gratifying dives into existentialism and life affirmation. (In spite of everything, it is the seriousness and the silliness of life that makes it value dwelling, proper?)
Like Lightwork earlier than it, PowerNerd considerably repeats prior Townsend strategies and messages; nonetheless, its echoes of previous data are not often problematic as a result of the fabric is so rattling partaking and endearing. For sure, Townsend nonetheless will get tons of mileage out of the uniquely philosophical and musical worlds he is crafted, making PowerNerd one other beautifully entertaining and intellectually, emotionally fulfilling addition to his catalog.
