None too shy of going off the beaten track Devin Townsend is a man who thrives on the experimental. A back catalogue littered with unrivalled rage in Strapping Young Lad to recent musical stylings of Ziltoid and his endless quest for coffee. Previously releasing their album digitally, Casualties of Cool saw Townsend once again toy with the metaphorical envelope. Teaming up with singer Che Aimee Dorval the two welcome you into the weird and wonderful brand of space country.
[tracklist]
1. Daddy
2. Mountaintop
3. Flight
4. The Code
5. Moon
6. Pier (Intrumental)
7. Ether
8. Hejda
9. Forgive Me
10. Broken
11. Bones
12. Death scope
13. The Field
14. The Bridge
15. Pure (Instrumental)
[/tracklist]
[details]
[length]72:00[/length]
[record_label]Inside Out[/record_label]
[release_date]January 15th 2016[/release_date]
[/details]
Created with a concept in mind the album details a space traveler who lands on a sentient planet that feeds off fear. As we move gracefully through the record our protagonist seeks solace in an old radio, hence on the cover, leading to a voyage of self discovery. Opting to leave the distortion back on earth all of Casualties of Cool is put through a beautiful clean tone with use of echo that beckons serene and often barren soundscapes. Intro track “Daddy” sets the scone with a county style gallop whilst slowly collecting atmosphere in our arid world.
The serene beauty of “Flight” is a definite highlight with a simple chord pattern and Townsend acting as a voice for the otherside contrasted with the hazy delivery of Dorval. Peppering of small soundclips of life from frogs to birds, recalls the idea an organic world for our weary wanderer. Much of Casualties is championing for Townsend’s limitless versatility as a musician. Bringing a grounded sense of life to an otherwise vacuous sound allows for a playful contrast. A rich tapestry of instruments ranges from improvisational saxophone on “Moon“, to all out soul searching of “The Bridge“. Bouzouki’s and the like are thrown in creating a transcendental eastern palette before the man’s bellowing vocals make their fleeting appearance before once again returning to Townsend’s harvesting of vocals creating a beautifully cinematic wall of voices.
If you’re seeking something the likes of heavier era Devin Townsend then you will be disappointed. However for those who relish in the man’s discovery of his inner being and its quest to be truly at peace then Casualties of Cool will whisk you off willingly. The gorgeous tones of Dorval’s voice bring a sense of tethered earth to the inquisitive meandering lead lines of Townsend. A lot of emphasis is also put on silence itself, choosing their musical words wisely the duo are conscious of when to let the space between the melody speak for itself.
For the more studious of Townsend fans the record’s sound will recall the calming Ghost however bringing the beautiful female vocals to the fore enables Casualties of Cool to be an a completely independent entity and instead carves a niche for itself. Adding in the fantastic live recording which comes with the release of the Casualties of Cool. A performance at London’s Islington Assembly Halls to capture the energy felt through the record for its official world wide release. Hardly a quick five minute affair the record is a staggering 72 minutes long and can sometimes get a little confused as to where exactly you are in the album owing to its vastly similar nature in songs but for those looking for a relaxing nostalgia filled trip into the future look no further.
[verdict]Yes[/verdict]
[why]For those ever wondering what Chet Atkins would sound like I’m 2001 A Space Odyssey look no further. Another brilliant release from the endlessly creative Townsend and phenomenal Dorval. [/why]
