DE/VISION DEVOLUTION ALBUM E-WAVE, BMG, A DIFFERENT DRUM RELEASE: JANUARY 7, 2003 (EUROPE), JANUARY 21, 2003 (USA) REVIEW: JANUARY 31, 2003

Do you also have the feeling De/Vision always have a new album out? Maybe it’s just me. I’m thinking “Two” wasn’t that long ago, and “Void” came pretty recently, didn’t it? And in between the real full-lengths, they manage to squeeze in remix and live albums. How do they do it?
The obvious answer is of course that they don’t really care about progressing all that much. They sound quite similar to the De/Vision on “Fairyland” in 1996. OK, I’ll admit that “Void” was a bit rockier, and “Two” was a bit softer, but you know what I mean, don’t you?
Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. De/Vision have developed their own sound, and they stick to it, which is something I wish other bands had done too. And I must say that the craftsmanship on this album is tremendous. They sure have had a lot of practice handling their instruments through the years and it shows. The song writing is also very good, as always, but it’s a pity the singer Steffen doesn’t take the chance to widen his repertoire a bit. He always sounds the same. They play it safe. Considering the title can be considered as a play with the word evolution, this is a bit ironic.
“Devolution” is like a mix between “Two” and “Void”, with both slower and faster elements. One outstanding track is “Drifting Sideways”, which is also available in a remixed form on a special bonus disc that comes with the limited edition. The remix by T.O.Y. is a blisteringly good dance mix, and you should try to get hold of it. The original version is superb in itself though, with a chorus as difficult to shake off as the mosquitos in Lappland. The more mellow tracks are also worth your while. My favourite is “When the World Disappeared”, a brilliantly executed track with a smooth feeling to it that makes you really comfortable. Yum.
Damn, it seems like I can’t make my mind up about this album. I’m a fan of their sound, but at the same time I think it’s a shame they haven’t moved on more. Hmm, I have decided that since they do it so bloody well, they are excused. Go out and buy it already!

JOHAN CARLSSON