The High Dials – A New Devotion
(Rainbow Quartz)

While most bands are busy worrying about making music that will get them radio airplay or keep their fans happy, The High Dials are concerned about only one thing: creating great music that makes them happy.

You may remember them as the band formerly known as The Datsons or the band briefly known as The Datson Four, but with the emergence of both The Datsuns and The D4 in the music world they decided that it was time to end the confusion and set themselves apart.

The Datsons’ last album See! was one of those great rock albums that just gets better and better every time you hear it, with a sound that put them somewhere between The Jam, The Kinks and The Beatles. For A New Devotion, the band wanted to take on something a little more ambitious. Following in the footsteps of bands like The Who, Radiohead and The Flaming Lips, The High Dials have created a full on concept album consisting of 18 amazing tracks. The concept is actually a story that follows a character named Silas as he makes his way through a “nightmarish futuristic world”. Although there is no one overwhelming message, many of the songs clearly address the isolating effects of technology and a need to reconnect with nature. Sounds kind of like they’ve turned into a bunch of hippies doesn’t it? Worry not friend… the album is still danceable and fun and it rocks hard.

Each song on A New Devotion really does feel like a separate chapter in one long story. There are a lot of new elements being incorporated into their sound, including bits and pieces of both psychedelia and electronica. The variety of different instruments used on this album is impressive, but it never once sounds gimmicky. From sitar to horns, flute to electronic drums to tablas (wha?), each song has a unique feel while still retaining the core sound of The High Dials.

Musically they have evolved, but they haven’t abandoned their roots.The sugary pop hooks, tight rhythms and infectious energy of The Datsons’ previous outings are still here, but there is a new depth to the music, one that demands a little more participation from the listener to appreciate. Although A New Devotion isn’t as immediately accessible as See!, it is infinitely more rewarding. The album’s lyrical content alone contains more thought than most bands put into their entire songwriting process.

I can only hope that the name change and redefined musical focus will bring more accolades for this fine Canadian band. A New Devotion is easily one of the best releases of the year and you should not miss it. — Sean