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 Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki

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A Lawn Mower
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyWed Jan 13, 2010 3:12 pm

Devin Townsend Project – Ki
4.5/5
http://www.mediafire.com/?mjuyoy31znn

No one could have expected this. What I’m talking about isn’t another amazing album straight from the mind of a genius, that’s what everyone did expect. What I’m talking about is the complete change in sound and emotion compared to Devin’s other albums conveyed in this beginning to what is already looking to be a tetralogy to rival Rambo.

While Ki does differ in many aspects from a classic Devin Townsend album, it still retains everything that makes Devin well… Devin. The big difference in Ki from previous Devin releases is that it takes a soft atmospheric (and sometimes even acoustic *gasp*) approach to most all the tracks and is composed of slow subtle build ups that are often followed by a rapid “bringing you back down to this world” type of feeling almost right at the climax. Everything feels so smooth and mellow and seamless though which are hardly adjectives that Devin is used to receiving I’m sure. Also one of my favorite voices in all of metal (which is Devin’s for those who have not heard the mixture of angelic tone and range with the roughness of sandpaper and yet softness of silk that graces his every release to date) is for the first time ever accompanied by a woman’s. Though the mixture is not used enough through the album in my opinion, her vocal lines are brilliantly placed in the perfect spots on tracks throughout the album that add just that much more depth and variability to a near masterpiece.

Of course, along with the changes, Devin still shines through the atmospheric fog that he begins most tracks off with through catchy lyrics and vocal and song structures. I even began to pick up on the choruses and join in on just a first listen, and yet originality isn’t sacrificed in any aspect. Every song is uniquely its own and yet the album flows seamlessly through each track to where a listener might feel as though they have been listening to one track the entire time upon completion of the album. Every riff seems to have a life of its own and a specific purpose that fits the atmosphere of every song down to the last detail in a way that only Devin can manage to accomplish.

Overall I’m not going to go and say that this album is an “Ocean Machine” or a “The New Black” but it is very impressive none the less and essential for any fan of Devin Townsend or of Prog Rock/Prog Metal in general as I will go as far as guaranteeing your enjoyment of this album and I am really looking forward to the next three (well two at this point but Addicted is awesome as well d-=

Highlights: Not going to lie, entire album, every single song is solid as hell
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Rosalind
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyThu Jan 14, 2010 9:19 am

At no point in this do you mention an instrument (beyond the voice) and only in the last line do you actually mention what genre it belongs to. Its original and its smooth, fine that doesn't help much. So are the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ny5ajCn0xw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcEKAWZ1Nbk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dok7YZfW18s

Theres a lot of opinion and little description here. Atmospheric, what atmosphere? Slow, subtle and climactic but in respects to what? He may be your favourite vocalist but I can't tell if he's imitating Boy George or growling like the guy from Behemoth. All im getting is that its angelically smooth and softly rough, which to me makes no sense, and you like where the female vocal lines are placed but that again only tells me your opinion. This was also his first album under "The Devin Townsend Project," so cant be a tetralogy.
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyThu Jan 14, 2010 9:47 am

Rosalind wrote:
At no point in this do you mention an instrument (beyond the voice) and only in the last line do you actually mention what genre it belongs to. Its original and its smooth, fine that doesn't help much. So are the following:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ny5ajCn0xw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcEKAWZ1Nbk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dok7YZfW18s

Theres a lot of opinion and little description here. Atmospheric, what atmosphere? Slow, subtle and climactic but in respects to what? He may be your favourite vocalist but I can't tell if he's imitating Boy George or growling like the guy from Behemoth. All im getting is that its angelically smooth and softly rough, which to me makes no sense, and you like where the female vocal lines are placed but that again only tells me your opinion. This was also his first album under "The Devin Townsend Project," so cant be a tetralogy.

good calls on all accords my furry ferret friend, I definitly relied way to much on the chaces that the reader was allready a DT fan to begin with. I'll edit it and get back to you.
(P.S. DTP is actually supposed to only release four albums which he had allready planned out when he formed the group, thus the tetralogy)
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Rosalind
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyThu Jan 14, 2010 9:52 am

Then it would make sense to mention this is the first of four, rather than call it a tetralogy from the get go. If you're saying its looking like a strong streak of films, it implies theres already at least 2 before it. Maybe extend the intro to explain what its all about.
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A Lawn Mower
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyThu Jan 14, 2010 9:57 am

Rosalind wrote:
Then it would make sense to mention this is the first of four, rather than call it a tetralogy from the get go. If you're saying its looking like a strong streak of films, it implies theres already at least 2 before it. Maybe extend the intro to explain what its all about.

graci for the input, I'll get back to you on this one (hopefully today...)
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A Lawn Mower
Into the Pit
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A Lawn Mower

Posts : 187
Join date : 2010-01-11
Age : 33
Location : Atlanta / Greensboro

Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyFri Jan 15, 2010 8:43 am

did I cover it all or is there something that you think I missed or should address still?

Devin Townsend Project – Ki
4.5/5
http://www.mediafire.com/?mjuyoy31znn

No one could have expected this. What I’m talking about isn’t another amazing album straight from the mind of a genius, that’s what everyone did expect. What I’m talking about is the complete change in sound and emotion in comparison to Devin’s other albums that is conveyed in this first of four planned releases by the Devin Townsend Project in what is already looking to be a tetralogy to rival Rambo.

While Ki does differ in many aspects from a classic Devin Townsend album, it still retains everything that makes Devin well… Devin. The big difference in Ki from previous Devin releases is that it takes a soft keyboard, synth, and soft guitar atmospheric (and sometimes even acoustic *gasp*) approach to most all the tracks and is composed of slow subtle build ups that are often followed by a rapid “bringing you back down to this world” type of feeling almost right at the climax. Everything feels so smooth and mellow and seamless though which are hardly adjectives that Devin is used to receiving I’m sure and yet still retain that “edginess” that Devin is known for mainly through the occasional distorted guitar or growled vocal during song climaxes. Also one of my favorite voices in all of metal (which is Devin’s for those who have not heard the mixture of angelic tone and range with the roughness of sandpaper or softness of silk, depending on what the occasion calls for, that graces his every release to date) is for the first time ever accompanied by a woman’s. Though the mixture is not used enough through the album in my opinion, her vocal lines are brilliantly placed in the perfect spots on tracks throughout the album and add just that much more depth and variability to a near masterpiece.

Of course, along with the changes, Devin still shines through the atmospheric fog that he begins most tracks off with through catchy lyrics and vocal and song structures. I even began to pick up on the choruses and join in on just a first listen, and yet originality isn’t sacrificed in any aspect. Every song is uniquely its own and yet the album flows seamlessly through each track to where a listener might feel as though they have been listening to one track the entire time upon completion of the album. Every riff seems to have a life of its own and a specific purpose that fits the atmosphere of every song down to the last detail in a way that only Devin can manage to accomplish. Devin does a great job of blending his guitar tone with the rest of the sounds on the album except for a few exceptions when he deliberately brings his sound out. The drumming on the album is no Gene Hoglan (mainly because it isn’t Gene) but it does manage not to detract anything from the album as the generic progressive rock drumming with few if any fills provides a good base and doesn’t hamper the listeners ability to concentrate on the depths of sounds that Devin is painting across the album.

Overall I’m not going to go and say that this album is an “Ocean Machine” or a “The New Black” but it is very impressive none the less and essential for any fan of Devin Townsend or of Prog Rock/Prog Metal in general as I will go as far as guaranteeing your enjoyment of this album and I am really looking forward to the next three (well two at this point but Addicted is awesome as well d-=

Highlights: Not going to lie, entire album, every single song is solid as hell
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Rosalind
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Rosalind

Posts : 1632
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyFri Jan 15, 2010 9:49 am

You still aren't telling me what the whole thing sounds like. I mean, without hearing the album I would take a stab and call it ambient with maybe a touch of post-rock (despite the fact it would contrast the Rambo comparison). If that's right, then great, just say that in the opening paragraph and were set. If not, then there may be some better adjectives required to get the message across. You say "soft" twice in the same sentence which makes the whole thing look odd, and you still have a lot of "in my opinion" "brilliant" and "perfect" which tells me nothing but the fact you liked it, which the rating did anyway.

I can also guarantee despite liking prog rock and prog metal, I wont be able to make it to the end before getting bored. "Guarantees" are a horrible thing to say as there will ALWAYS be exceptions. Similar problem with "Not going to lie," why would you suggest to the reader you could be?

Fix that intro, tell me what the damn thing sounds like before the closing moments and ill put it up.
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A Lawn Mower
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyTue Jan 19, 2010 9:28 am

Rosalind wrote:

Fix that intro, tell me what the damn thing sounds like before the closing moments and ill put it up.

ok, hopefully I have done a slightly better revise this time and if I haven't I do want to state that I really enjoy your critiquing as it is very informative and helpful

Devin Townsend Project – Ki
4.5/5
http://www.mediafire.com/?mjuyoy31znn

Ki is a progressive rock album with some progressive metal interludes interwoven in and yet manages to have a post-rock/post-metalish sound as well due to the composure and crescendos and decrescendos within the various movements of the songs . Any fan of Devin Townsend previous albums could never have expected this. What I’m talking about isn’t another amazing album straight from the mind of a genius, that’s what everyone did expect. What I’m talking about is the complete change in sound and emotion in comparison to Devin’s other albums that is conveyed in this first of four planned releases by the Devin Townsend Project in what is already looking to be a tetralogy to rival Rambo.

While Ki does differ in many aspects from a classic Devin Townsend album, it still retains everything that makes Devin well… Devin. The big difference in Ki from previous Devin releases is that it takes a soft keyboard, synth, and guitar atmospheric (and sometimes even acoustic *gasp*) approach to most all the tracks and is composed of slow subtle build ups that are often followed by a rapid “bringing you back down to this world” type of feeling almost right at the climax. Everything feels so smooth and mellow and seamless though which are hardly adjectives that Devin is used to receiving I’m sure and yet still retain that “edginess” that Devin is known for mainly through the occasional distorted guitar or growled vocal during song climaxes. Also one of my favorite voices in all of metal (which is Devin’s for those who have not heard the mixture of angelic tone and range with the roughness of sandpaper or softness of silk, depending on what the occasion calls for, that graces his every release to date) is for the first time ever accompanied by a woman’s. Though the mixture is not used enough through the album in my opinion, her vocal lines are brilliantly placed in the perfect spots on tracks throughout the album and add just that much more depth and variability to a near masterpiece.

Of course, along with the changes, Devin still shines through the atmospheric fog that he begins most tracks off with through catchy lyrics and vocal and song structures. I even began to pick up on the choruses and join in on just a first listen, and yet originality isn’t sacrificed in any aspect. Every song is uniquely its own and yet the album flows seamlessly through each track to where a listener might feel as though they have been listening to one track the entire time upon completion of the album. Every riff seems to have a life of its own and a specific purpose that fits the atmosphere of every song down to the last detail in a way that only Devin can manage to accomplish. Devin does a great job of blending his guitar tone with the rest of the sounds on the album except for a few exceptions when he deliberately brings his sound out. The drumming on the album is no Gene Hoglan (mainly because it isn’t Gene) but it does manage not to detract anything from the album as the generic progressive rock drumming with few if any fills provides a good base and doesn’t hamper the listeners ability to concentrate on the depths of sounds that Devin is painting across the album.

Overall I’m not going to go and say that this album is an “Ocean Machine” or a “The New Black” but it is very impressive none the less and an essential for any fan of Devin Townsend or of Prog Rock/Prog Metal in general. I am really looking forward to the next three (well two at this point but Addicted is awesome as well d-=

Highlights: entire album, every single song is solid as hell and really leads into the next one making the whole album a very enjoyable listening experience
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Rosalind
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Rosalind

Posts : 1632
Join date : 2008-05-13
Age : 35
Location : UK

Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyWed Jan 20, 2010 5:38 pm

Made a couple of amendments. You said "climax" twice in rapid succession so I cut it from the second one, removed the 'awesome' from the final sentence, and cut most of the bits under highlights as you were just repeating yourself tbh. Id be careful with comparisons (you mentioned Gene) as it means nothing to someone unfamiliar with the work. Try to take each piece as though you were explaining it to someone without much knowledge of the genre; outside of that first paragraph where you give a brief summary of the sound, any idiot should be able to follow you with ease. As before, there's still some 'in my opinion' and words like 'awesome' that opinionated but non-descriptive, which is something to watch out for in future.

Other than that, it'll be posted in a sec.
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Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki Vide
PostSubject: Re: Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki   Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki EmptyWed Jan 20, 2010 6:05 pm

you're the man Bawden, hopefully there will be more to come and I'll do my best to make them a little less work for you lol! Music Review - Devin Townsend Project - Ki 147871
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