Customer Reviews

Waves

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a mega Devlins fan it wasn't easy giving Waves just 3 stars, but that's not because this album is all that bad, but because the rest of their music is just so, so good! Below are my points in brief:

- Firstly I wasn't mad about the cover, I found it a little bland as they've always had cover's that felt much more personal and inspiring.
- The sound, arrangement and writing wasn't as focused as on there other offerings, I'm talking about tracks such as: 'Someday', 'Feel It When You're Gone' and 'Waves'.
- I also found Colin's singing wasn't as passionate, especially on Waves, just sounds to me like he just can't wait to get outta the studio! I mean check out the vocals on the title track on Drift as a comparison!

However this album has some good points, such as 'Everything Comes Around', 'Careless Love', 'Lazarus' and the beautiful 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart'. If it weren't for these then I would have been forced to give a much lower rating.

I put off buying this album for a long time as I say the cover didn't fill me with confidence. But I had the pleasure of seeing them in Belfast (again) and they were mega, I picked up my copy after the show (which I got signed) as well as my Devlins T-Shirt which I wear with pride. They did mega versions of 'Everything Comes Around', 'Careless Love', 'Lazarus' and 'Don't Let It Break Your Heart', which all blew me away, they also did 'Almost made u smile' which almost made me cry (man I wish I had had the courage to get up and dance to that!) and after much shouting from my older Bro, an in-promptu version of 'Some to talk to'

I'll just finish by saying that the show was that good I wish it had been recorded, guys you outta think about doing a live album, but it has to be a small intimate show, that's where you guys really come alive.

This album has grown on me in such a big way since I got it soon after its Irish release last summer. Leave your expectations at the door if the only Devlins album you own is "Waiting," because although it begins with a bit of the dark atmosphere people who love the "Waiting" album will relate to in "Everything Comes Around," Waves flows in new directions as well.

Everything Comes Around - love the haunting sound, especially the middle eight.

Sunrise - hooks you with its chiming guitars, which the Amazon clip skips over, and keeps the momentum of the first song going.

Careless Love - slows things down a bit and has a light melody, which contrasts with the lyrics about deceit and cheating: "No one has to win or lose, no one has to take the blame. All I wanted was the truth, not a careless love..."

Someday - my personal favorite picks things up a bit again and features overlays of Colin Devlin's voice that give it a stronger sound.

Lazarus - before I ever heard the album, someone described this as a song for gazing out the window at rivulets of rain. Works for me.

Don't Let It Break Your Heart - has an incredibly infectious chorus I have trouble getting out of my head.

Feel It When You're Gone - gives off what sounds like a strong British pop sound vibe to me that grows on you the more you hear it.

Coming Alive - sexy, soulful late night stuff with a female singer helping Colin Devlin out on vocals.

Headstrong - "All the things that hurt, you know, are just a part of living..."

Waves - undulates, both melodically and lyrically, to the rhythm of its metaphoric peaceful seas and features an omnichord for that almost musicbox sound in the background.

It's so hard to get a feel for a song from short clips, so if you're undecided I'd recommend you go to the news page on the Devlins' website and click on the "Waves ecard" where you can hear three full songs: "Careless Love," which is the first single; "Don't Let It Break Your Heart;" and "Someday."

I actually purchased this album in November from this Ireland website and I enjoyed every song on the album. I really recommend this album to existing devlin's fan and to those people who haven't really listen to the devlins. This is one of my favorite albums of the year and it is a must have.

My initial encounter with the Devlins was when I checked out the Consent album from the library on whim...the first time I heard the song There is a Light I was hooked. Their music does something to me that most music does not...it moves me. Sometimes towards sadness, sometimes towards glee, and sometimes both at the same time. The music is wonderfully melodic and the lyrics are heartfelt, filled with optimism, and with life at it's best and worst. And they are oh so right: Someday you will find your place in time...

If these guys never heard Paul Kelly, they must be on the same psychic page as he has been for the past twenty or so years. Mind you, the vocals on The Devlins aren't quite as nasal as Australia's best singer-songwriter, but there were times I had to pinch myself to remember I wasn't listening to him. This is not a criticism; I can think of lots worse musicians to sound like. If any of those reading my review have not heard Paul Kelly, and liked the style of the Devlins, go over and buy "Songs from the South" immediately. "Lazarus" and nearly all the other songs here are full or rich imagery and even the up-tempo numbers seem to have a dreamy quality.

thought the prevoius three albums were better. startin to sound the same but not in a good way.

The best record yet by the Dublin brothers. Everything from Talk Talk, David Sylvian, The Blue Nile and Crowded House influences make this a record that will be a calssic "must have" in 20 years. Talent will out, and they certainly have it in spades.

Right! So your music taste is sophisticated and selective. You don't go in for the run of the mill soulless smarmy pop that invades the usual channels of broadcast. Good on you, keep your collection fresh and vibrant with the latest offering by Irishmen The Devlins. This is their fourth offering, preceded by the now classics: Drift, Waiting and Consent. Waves is nothing short of spectacular. Intelligent composition throughout an inviting record that will re-affirm your admiration for the band or capture your attention if you have never heard of them before! They are touring the U.S. in March and April of this year, don't miss them as they don't tour very often.

hello folk if you like the devlins this cd is a continuation of The Consent it's very mellow the opening track is major,awesome this irish band is mostly unknown here in Canada but gorgeous...a buy for sure

The Devlins are on right track.
After excellent "Consent" which in my opinion was the most mature Devlin's work- we have opportunity to enjoy another great piece of music from Irish duo.
But honestly I really miss melancholy accents from previous albums-That's why "only" 4 and 1/2 stars.
Great work guys.I'll see you in NYC!