Title: “Texada”
Released as: Devin Townsend Project
Taken from: Ghost
Year: 2011
Running time: 9.30
Comments: I think I may have heard this album once before. Maybe not. Randomly selected, this happens to be the longest track on it. Nice bubbly keyboard opening, almost new-wave in a way, could put you in mind of Yazoo until the guitar slides in. Devin sings in that kind of soft croon which he uses on much of
Epicloud, and is how I prefer to hear him sing, rather than the manic yell or screech he often employs. I don’t think I’d necessarily call this a ballad, though it’s a downtempo song with a kind of seeming upbeat feel. Elements of prog rock in here too. I imagine it’s one of those that certain people will complain is overproduced, but as I said already, I don’t mind that.
Sounds like flute there in the mix, some yelling in the background as backing vocals perhaps, quite subsumed though. Nice little guitar break, and we’re only a third of the way through. Enjoying this one immensely I must say. This is the kind of Devin I like, and it amazes and also annoys me that he can be so diametrically different on other songs, often growling or roaring - I guess that’s more his time in SYL than anything else - but I’d be happy if he stuck to the one style of singing. It means that over the course of an album you’re often not sure what you’re going to get. Some people like that, like to be surprised, challenged, tested. Not me. Good old boring predictability for me please, as long as it’s good.
Extended flute solo here in the sixth minute, gives the track a very ethereal feel, and the sound effects - wind, birds, surf, that kind of thing - all add to that impression. Not sure if it’s just going to fade out now on that, given that there’s about a minute left at this stage. Wouldn’t be disappointed if it did. And it does, to the accompaniment of a voice speaking something very quietly, perhaps a prayer.
Rating: 10/10