Synchestra

Synchestra is a record on which Devin Townsend combines heavy guitar, thick choruses, electronic textures and pop melody with an almost excessive freedom. The density of sound is high, yet rather than mere chaos, each song is carefully given a friendly hook and fine expression. From the drive of the opener “Let It Roll” and the grandeur of “Triumph” to the accessibility of “Babysong,” the folk-flavored “Gaia” and the eccentric “Vampira,” the songs show a surprisingly varied range. Heaviness and humor, grandeur and intimacy coexist on the same screen, and the album is unpredictable yet strangely easy to enjoy. Its appeal lies in sublimating unbound, free imagination into sure songwriting craft. Changing expression one after another, it still holds a consistent positive flow overall. It is a record on which Devin Townsend’s variety and playfulness appear most vividly — a fulfilling solo work that lets you fully savor his colorful musicality.