Customer Reviews

Drift

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In 1993 I heard the song 'Someone to talk to' by The Devlins on a cd sampler that I recieved. I was immediately struck by both Colin Devlin's voice and Malcomb Burn's lush production. It's one of those albums that I am amazed never caught on. 'Drift' is comprised of eleven stunning hook-laden songs about love, loss...you know the usual stuff. What sets it apart is intelligent songwriting with heartfelt delivery. Highlights include 'Everytime you go' and 'Alone in the dark'. The latter is a sensual string laden ballad. Originally released by Capitol records, it has recently been re-released by the Canadian record label Nettwerk. Their follow-up effort 'Waiting' was a mild disappointment, so 'Drift' is an excellent place to start. It's a sure thing. Similar Groups/Artists: David Gray, Dave Mathews Band, Rufus Wainwright.

You know, once in a while u come across an album which is much more than just a body of work released by an artist, but something which marks a very important time in ur life, and for me this album is one (if not one of the most important) of these. My first memory of this album is seeing the video for 'Almost made you Smile' on irish TV around '94 or so and from then I was hooked, it was played quite a bit on TV, I remember one time enjoyin' the video and we had a powercut - gutted! But anyways I had a vague idea who they were but had real trouble coming across the album, until I stumbled upon it in a local record shop and bought it for my girlfriend at the time (on my birthday as I remember - cool!). I've bought this album several times for myself and as gift for others (it's that good!).

I've seen them a number of times live and they get better every time.

Check out 'Consent' also as I think these albums are quite similar only 'Consent' has got a bit more mixing and more money put into the recording. 'Waiting' is also good, but my least favourite of the three (now four of course, maybe because the girlfriend i mentioned bought it for me just before we broke up - tragic!)

Drift - A real moody, soulful, yearning masterpiece!

I have been playing Drift for the last couple days after not listening to it for at least a year. It is the first of three Devlins CD and undeservedly obscure. These two brothers from Ireland rock mildly on cuts like I Knew That, Every Time You Go, and the outstanding Turn You 'Round. Malcolm Burn provides his characteristic production but, while still edgy and feedback- and reverb-laden, it is more subdued than on some of his other work with, for example, U2 and Emmylou Harris. That is all to the good; this is not music that needs to be overwhelmed in sound. The best tracks include Almost Made You Smile, Someone to Talk To, As Far As You Can Go, I Don't Want to Be Like This, and Until the Light Shines Through. Those last two titles close the CD and are the best showcases for the Devlins' lyrics and yearning vocals that properly command the most attention in this excellent debut,

I had the good fortune to see The Devlins open for Tori Amos a few years back. Unlike many forgettable opening acts, this band had me spellbound for their entire act. Although their sound is very simple, often bordering on accoustic, Colin Devlin's voice is really all you need. When he sings, you absolutely feel the emotion he puts into every single song. After the concert, I ran to the record store to pick up their second album "Waiting". That was so great and so moving that I haunted every used c.d. store in the state trying to find this one.

I am hard pressed to choose a favorite between the 2. Waiting has an incredible flow to it that makes the time the album is playing seem to go by very quickly. I would almost call that album haunting. "Drift", however, is endearing in the variety of moods and styles represented. The Devlins had a lot of fun creating this album, and it shows. The enthusiasm in many of the songs, even the unhappy ones, along with the variety of musical styles explored, will always keep this album on my favorites list. I have had this album for 3 years and not a week goes by that I don't listen to both Drift and Waiting at least once.

Buy them both!

Love this band. I think it was 1993 or 1994 when I discovered the Devlins and bought their first CD "Drift" It still takes me back to that time in my 20s (and now I'm in my 40s and I still listen to it - almost 20 years later. I can't believe that they never made it in the mainstream. And maybe I'm glad about that for selfish reasons, their music wasn't played all over the radio and overused, overdone to the point that you are sick of it and for that reason it never lost it's uniqueness. I have always been a big fan of this CD, I think it is their best one. There's an aura about it - the way it changes the mood in a room. It's an amazing sound. It has it's own style, sound, rhythm. It's just cool music. I'd say it's one of the best CDs I've ever had and I've had it for almost 20 years.I never stop playing it and I never will. I can't pinpoint what I love about it, but other people who have listened to it just love it the same way.

I received this album as a gift and was unfamilar with the group previously. I absolutely love the music! The more I listen to the songs, the more I like them. The combination of changing and intricate rhythms, thoughtful lyrics, and compelling vocals give the music a passionate/sensual quality. There are many wonderful love songs here that address relationships past and present, creating a specific mood for each relationship. In addition, while I can't pin it down, I can hear and appreciate the Irish influence, which contributes to the unique and appealing style of the Devlins.

For sheer passion and angst and longing this is IT! I have been impressed with this group from the first - in particular this album...these lads may be gorgeous, but their music is what keeps a loyal fan-base through the 5 year waits between albums.....and it's SO worth the wait! This was their first album and I still feel it's the best for simplicity and depth. Check out Waiting and Consent too and TELL YOUR FRIENDS!

just to let you know this is NOT my kind of music...much too mellow for me...but as i sit here and play it i must say i'm enjoying it VERY much...

I made the mistake of purchasing this disc after hearing one song. I liked the melody. Unfortunately everything else on this disc is the same reformulated dribble. If you like an entire disc consisting of relationship and girlfriend material, then this is for you. There is no expansion of thought. I wish I could find an artists inspiration for this kind of music. It would probably save me from puchasing these kind of discs beforehand. I would guess Bryan Adams, Phil Collins, 3rd Eye Blind. Other bands that follow the narrow style of writing to
appeal to either heartbroken adolescents or young girls. I won't
say this music is depressing. That would categorize it with Nine inch nails or Joy division. Just boring and uninspiring. Kind of like ' been there, heard that.' My lone star is for the sound. Great talent. Just wrapped around poor songs.