The Highlights
First, I was pleased to discover that Devant's album showcases a distinct progressive house feel. Not to the extent of Deadmau5, but it definitely isn't as aggressive and "in your face" as the artist albums from JJ Flores & Steve Smooth or Bad Boy Bill. The beats are lush and lovely, the production soft and fluid. The best example of this is the cut "Take Me With You" featuring Emma Hewitt. Emma's voice is just as lush as Devant's production, and the pair create a fantasy soundscape in which one can run away and be free. The track is that gorgeous.With some various flourishes he broadens this approach, for better or for worse. The obvious vibe of "Stuck In The 80's," coupled with a fairly boring progession, highlights the "worse" aspect of that, while the Middle Eastern flow of "12 Wives In Tehran" with Nadia Ali on vocals shows us the best. She doesn't sing lyrics, she adds atmosphere with an ethereal and appropriate cultural performance, which is an odd way to add the ex-IIO singer in a track but she does an admirable job. Featured the most on Wanderer, Hadley's smokey voice accents Devant's clubbier songs in "Addicted," "Midnight Train," "Wanderer," and "Peace." Her tracks are definitely not to be missed. A little electro slides in on "No Good," with Jaren's sultry voice to carry us.
The Lowlights
And that sums up the better aspects of the album. Unfortunately, Wanderer is far from a perfect album, and it showcases its faults openly, and often. While I love when a producer gives us extended mixes, sometimes this means a bad song just goes on way too long. "Part of Me," with Kyven on vocals, is one such track. After 30 seconds of the repetitive and frustrating track, I am ready to pull my hair out. On "Shadow," Devant works with trancesters Second Sun to make… a pop song? I am both confused and a little disappointed, because this track is completely out of place on Wanderer.Not only that, but the drum and guitar approach to the track really deadens the appeal of the vocals, which could have a much stronger effect with the right backing music. "Surround You," featuring Kyven again, is frantic and fast-paced, sounding less like an electronic track from 2009 and more like a British techno track from the 90's. Kyven's voice is great, though, and it's a shame that on his other track, we barely got to hear him. Lastly, the understated breakbeat in "People," along with the dreary guitar work, create a track that seems more geared towards inducing sleep than anything else.
Summary
There are some absolutely awesome things going on with Serge Devant's Ultra Records release, and some truly unfortunate things. Thankfully, I'd say over half the album is shining moments, and that's not a bad ratio. "Take Me With You," "12 Wives In Tehran," and "Addicted" are standout tracks.Released June 2009 on Ultra Records
