Devin Townsend – Powernerd LP (Gray Vinyl) Supply

From the moment the title track ignites the record with a roar of PowerNerd! , Devin s 28th studio project is a gallop of melody, noise and emotion. The opener and Knuckledragger are all-out, high-speed rampages, their impact intensified by their central figure s signature wall of sound production style. However, that aggression is far from the only thing to come from Powernerd s 11 episodic tracks. Dreams of Light , by comparison, is an evocative and dynamic four-minute ballad. Younger Lover calms down from an explosive opening to lush verses of synths and singing, whereas Falling Apart and Jainism add texture after texture on top of dulcet, acoustic introductions. With each song also having an irresistible hook at it s heart, Devin has undeniably crafted a soulful instant classic of a rock record.