Following on from the acoustic Live in Leeds show and 2020’s Galactic Quarantine performances, the third of Devin Townsend‘s Devolution series, Devolution #3 – Empath Live In America (InsideOut Music) was recorded on the Canadian’s ill-fated tour of the US which had to be cut short due to the Covid pandemic.
In typical Devin fashion, each show on this tour was a unique experience for the audience, the band playing loose, virtually free-form versions of every song, while taking random requests from the audience. Omitting all backing tracks and click tracks, and with just the barest hint of a set list, the audience simply shouted out what they wanted and the mad Canuck would do his best to oblige.
Not just Devy putting himself on the line here, the stripped down, choir-free line-up of guitarist Mike Keneally, bassist Nathan Navarro, keyboard player Diego Tejeida and drummer Morgan Ågren were tested every night, while long-time partner-in-crime, vocalist Ché Aimee Dorval also happily signed up for the potential chaos.
But those of you who have witnessed Lord Dev’s free-set madness will know, this is when HevyDevy really pulls out the stops and showcases just what a wonderful musician, talent, vocalist and songwriter he is, more than ably backed by a crüe of incredible professionals.
And let’s not forget the verbal interjects from our Master of Ceremonies: “How the fuck did you do that?” is asked early in a gloriously vocally-led and funky ‘Evermore’, before the mid-section prog jam brings in Dorval and Devin’s first duet of the night. Dev then takes us sauntering through a glorious ‘Supercrush!’ with the pair in smooth and fine voices
Devolution #3… takes a more straightforward approach to some of the rest of tour, with a slightly more pre-planned set (despite Dev surprising the band by adding in a fun-packed ‘March of the Poozers’ next – “a song about a farting ball-sack” – because the previous track ended heavy and in the key of B…). This is followed by the batshit ‘Why?’ (complete with audience penis-engorging Death Metal vocalisation).
The sweet ‘Hyperdrive!’ restores a sense of zen, whilst being a super-paced version, ahead of the appropriately titled ‘Fuck Around Section’ that starts with Dev smacking out the riff and verse to ‘Earth Day’ in response to a request, and goes through an “alternative version” (ha!) of ‘Sprite’
The tail-end of the live show takes us through the gorgeous disco-tinged ‘Ih-Ah!’, and a contemplative and delicate Casualties of Cool’s ‘Forgive Me’ before wrapping up with a closing pairing of the violent smack of Strapping Young Lad “hit” ‘Love?’ and the effervescent, magnificent ‘Kingdom’.
Even in a less formal live setting, and with an abridged setlist, the sheer quality of the songs at Dev and Co’s beck and call is ridiculous, with Devolution #3, ably backed by a vocal and loud Boston crowd, all perfectly captured, showcasing that live, just as on record, there are none better than Mr Townsend.
“Man, I love my job. It’s fucking wicked!” Dev tells us halfway through. And, man, we love you!
Buy the album here:
https://devin-townsend.lnk.to/DevolutionSeries3-Empath-LiveInAmerica
9 / 10
GARY ALCOCK