Devon Michael – Even NASA Loses Satellites EP
This is a self-produced pop-indie EP set with alternative dance sensibilities. Singer-songwriter Devon Michael is out of L.A. & on this showcase she attempts to spread a message of self-discovery, going into the unknown, & expect the unexpected. NASA never would’ve succeeded if it too, hadn’t gone or done what no one ever did.
The extended play set features 6 tracks on Even NASA Loses Satellites EP (Dropped Oct 12/Independent/15:09) available on vinyl & digital formats. It gets off to an energetic start with the highly danceable “Retrograde” without being too simplistic & juvenile. Devon manages to negotiate her music with a fine voice & tight grooves. The musicality is deeply driven by electronics & synths with percussive additives but little in the way of acoustic instrumentation. But that’s the genre & it’s supposed to be driven by a more modern octane rather than a retro charge. It will appeal to young ears with itchy feet despite not actually exploring anything new musically. However, it’s the “smart man’s” dance music since Devon has a message threaded through her dynamic percussive urgency (“Distance”).
Devon’s lyrical pronunciation is invigorating & her duplicated voices — stimulating. She definitely isn’t emulating any previous singer but has the same charm as the finest dance floor divas & she’s not a diva but has the voice of a possible chanteuse in the future. But for now, with tunes like “Jedi Mind Tricks” – an excellent composition, she has an aggressive tough Lisa Marie Presley gutsiness. This tune is a little more Star Wars fantasy but it’s striking.
The well-laid out song “Amateur Astronomer” has its flatness when it could bubble. The drummer needs to be more creative with fills. Devon herself sings with a natural significant style that’s ear appealingly. There are no real ballads or slow songs & that should be added just for diversification. The closer “When I Found You” is another wickedly good performance. This exemplifies Devon’s fine voice the best.
Despite all the intense percussive & electronics remember that the singer is the prime ingredient & this is a wonderfully written track. My Italian mother used to always say when cooking – add a pinch of sugar or salt. You can always add more if needed. But if you over do it, a good meal can be spoiled.
Nothing here is spoiled, but the production values need to be added slowly on some songs so it doesn’t overpower the artist’s human traits – the voice. And Devon Michael has an instinctively good voice throughout this persuasive showcase.
Highlights – “Retrograde,” “Distance,” “Jedi Mind Tricks,” & “When I Found You.”
Color image of Devon courtesy of Voxwave Magazine. Vinyl & Digital @ Apple. No website provided.