Devics - Push the Heart

You go your whole life without tasting the real thing, fooled by the saccharine preservatives or the fancy packaging, and then one day, if you’re lucky, you bite into the real thing. I’m not suggesting that you run out and become a vegan, but there’s something to be said for the Devics’ organic, homebrewed sound. Push the Heart is better without modulation and auditory slight-of-hand. And while it might not be rock rock (slow, elegant, and drum-less as it is), it’s music music: Pure and with no strings (save the guitar’s and your heart’s) attached. Without the clutter of artificial seasonings and synthesized passion, Devics get by on honesty and clarity, letting each note stand alone, like a lingering whisper in the wind. The Devics thrive in the moments between, moments where Dustin O’Halloran can squeeze a squeak out of his guitar (or whatever’s appropriate—he plays everything), or where Sara Lov, with her bird-like voice, can just soar on the slightest of musical updrafts before streaking across the symphonious sky and then trailing off into the melodic sunset. Though the notes are piercing and clear, the offbeat, haunting and distinct (unwilling to become kitschy pop), is what pushes the heart. Despite being a collection of effortless ballads, near classical in their content and composition, the ten tracks are each unique. I credit clear and precise lyrics like these: If you can’t find love/then you will finally see/how we kill ourselves/slowly. That is, love may stink, but it’s all we have, so “Lie to Me.” Music, with the plethora of albums out there, has no such excuse; thankfully, Devics’ Push the Heart doesn’t need to lie. It’s honestly fantastic. [www.devics.com]