Out Now
Words by Vince Leigh
Produced by renowned producers Steve James (Choirboys, Cold Chisel, Thin Lizzy) and Micki Meuser and overseen by executive producer Don Esteban, Grant Stevens’s new album Devil’s Machinery follows the recent success of one of its lead tracks, V8 Sandman, which reached #7 on the AMRAP Metro Charts.
Devil’s Machinery showcases Stevens’s obvious musical prowess, staying faithful to the blues, rock genre without forgoing pop-rock melodic choices, helping to create an accessible musical design with a considered dynamic and attuned writing.
The new album is an amalgamation of blues and rock with nine all-new tracks and a reinterpretation of one of Dylan’s recent releases, I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You.
The culmination of a lifetime writing, recording, and performing, Stevens has released a string of singles and a previous album. Whether it’s the blues-rock detonations of 25 to Life, the grit and growl of Devil’s Machinery or the all-out assault of V8 Sandman, the album’s fervour and cohesive intensity are some of its most vital points.
Recounting his history, it’s no wonder Devil’s Machinery is such a spirited and multi-layered work; as Stevens says about his background, “I grew up in Sydney’s Western Suburbs, always knowing I wanted to write and perform music. My passion for music was evident from an early age, from singing on public transport with my Nanna at pre-school age to my first high school band to playing my first big venues. I left for London at eighteen to gain experience in the European market. I was fortunate to meet and perform with producer Kit Lambert (The Who) and get major label record deals with two London bands, Soho Jets and Razar. These years were invaluable to learning my craft. Although I have built my home and career in Germany since 1985, my connection to my roots and particularly Sydney has always remained strong.”
Devil’s Machinery might be referencing a world gone by, but it’s one worth resuscitating.
