Devin Townsend is releasing a series of live albums via InsideOut Music. The result is the Devolution Series: a grouping of oddities and interesting material that Townsend would like people to hear, but doesn’t necessarily want to present as a ‘major release’. The series will include all the quarantine songs and concerts, as well as various live shows from the past few years. The first release is a remixed and remastered version of the acoustic set from the ‘Live in Leeds’ show that was originally on the Empath Ultimate Edition...

Fans of Devin Townsend will already have had this album on preorder for some time and it's one they'll instantly love. This is mainly because it's packed to bursting with some of his favourite (and fan favourite) tracks from his huge back catalogue. The acoustic setting presents some of these songs in a totally different light.

As an album, it wonderfully showcases Townsend's perfectly honed onstage persona. He comes across as a fun-loving, likeable 'bloke down the road'. He's not afraid to poke fun at himself and his music... but when the playing starts we're transported to the venue as one of the audience.

While this is designed to be listened to from start to finish, as through you were at the recording, it's just as easy to dip in and out of. The one stand out highlight is 'Funeral', which is moving and shows off Townsend's wide vocal range.

Another impressive release from Townsend.

Track listing:

01. Intro (06:30)
02. Let it Roll (03:48)
03. Funeral (08:17)
04. Deadhead (07:51)
05. Ih-Ah! (04:44)
06. Love? (08:06)
07. Hyperdrive (04:27)
08. Terminal (04:58)
09. Coast (04:37)
10. Solar Winds (03:25)
11. Thing Beyond Things (04:34)

10

Nick Smithson