Colin Devlin - High Point

**

More of a Low Point

Colin Devlin was a member of the band The Devlins and first released a solo album back in 2010 with ‘Democracy of One’ now he back with the follow up ‘High Point’.  He has been nominated for a Grammy and had his music featured in many films and TV programmes too, so certainly knows how to make music that people will sit up, take notice of and get international recognition for his tunes.

Opening track ‘High Point’ has a very minimalist sound with his blues laden voice taking centre stage. In fact the whole album has quite a stripped back and basic sound, where he is letting the instruments and song writing do the talking instead of over production and too many bells and whistles.  

It deals with human emotion in songs such as ‘Highwire’ and the sound is slightly fleshed out in ‘This is where we Are’. By the time we get to track six ‘Nostalgia’ the meaning of which is “a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past” there is no need for such feelings as the songs are starting to feel a bit similar.

While I appreciate acts have their sound, this does not really get out of second gear and I am waiting for something to happen. Now I am not expecting him to ramp it up to Prodigy covers, but for me it lacks that hook to draw you in. Colin Devlin is obviously a very talented musician and accomplished songwriter so I cannot pin down quite what it is but by ‘Shine On’ track eight, I sort of think I have already heard this one.

I appreciate quietier music and like to think I can see the best in all but this was not for me, I am sorry to say. I went back to listen to some of his older material and feel he used his vocal range and dexterity better then. This is a safe album that will probably appeal to his core support, but I do not think there is track on it I will remember next week.

Review by Jon Cooper 

Check Out! the Video for 'High Point' Below...