The Devize

Alice in Chains is clearly one of the most influential band of the past 20 years. The Devize is a prime example of how AiC's sound still provides inspiration. The six songs on Heaven's Gate follow the AiC template skillfully, with earthbound rhythms, chugging guitars and low, wailing vocals that mingle pain-tinged urgency with resignation in uneasy balance. The spacious grandeur of the title tune and "Bait" do their influences proud, while the slower "Hit the Ground," with its sound-bite intro and distorted vocals, adds some Tool to the mix. A light percussion break on "Preacher" and the choppy, dirty blues edge to "Summers Gone" show the Devize's ability to keep their music from becoming monochromatic.

— Anastasia Pantsios

The Devize play Peabody's (2045 E. 21st St., 216.776.9999, peabodys.com) at 7 p.m. February 6. Tickets: $8. - Scene Magazine

With something to prove, the new Heaven’s Gate EP has great potential to be a chart Topper. The music will take you on a ride through the ages with influences from the best parts of classic rock, all the way to modern rock, and rolled in to one giant collage of musical brilliance. The First track “Preacher”, ensures a promise of good things to come throughout the disk. It’s hard driving verses and Choruses will definitely get your head banging. The percussion Section in the middle includes elaborate sounds and samples that are very tribal in nature and will keep you coming back for more. “Heaven’s gate”, the cd’s ballad is epic and one of such emotions. Its amazing how The Band can capture such a feeling and set a stage for a play in your mind with nothing more than their instruments. This song has done something no other modern bands are doing these days. Its arrangement includes such instruments as mandolin, 12 string acoustic, grand piano, Rhodes Piano, and even strings.“Time Lapse” is another song that one will end up listening to over and over because of its luscious and thick arrangement. With subtle production nuances between every bridge, the chorus contrasts it drastically in color and mood. Every Time another listen through, something new can be found.
Not only are the songs good, catchy, and very marketable while still keeping a uniqueness about them, The production Quality is unlike any other indie band in the business.
The Band is planning on having an official CD Release party sometime early in December so be sure to keep a look out for that date. Some other dates you can catch these guys live are:
10/2 The Cove Night Club
10/9 69Taps Wadsworth
10/16 JB’S Kent Ohio
10/31 Halloween Bash at the Hi-Fi Lakewood ohio
Disks are available at all shows as well as online at the following locations:
1. I Tunes
2. LaLa
3. IMU
4. Amazon
If you are interested in getting a CD other than at one of the shows or a digital copy at any of the above stores, please contact the band on myspace at the following URL www.myspace.com/thedevize
- Voice Magazine