DEVAS

WHO WE ARE:
We are a Rock Band from Los Angeles which had originally formed in Boston in 1998. Deva (devas plural) is the Sanskrit word for Angel and Deity. The word comes from deiwos, originally an adjective meaning "celestial" or "shining".
Our sound is a mix between Pop and Rock, but we let ourselves influence by many different music genres. We draw on our roots to make our music somewhat progressive, a little decadent, and yet intimate enough, to reflect our personal situations and experiences in life, how we might deal with them and how to conquer walls and keep on going forward - all wrapped in a coat of Rock. Odd meters, progressive arrangements, and catchy hooks are a lot of fun to play and being able to express all of this in front of an audience is the best thing we can think of!
MORE ABOUT US:
- Click here for Devas' web site.
- Click to find out more about the album 'True illusions'
- Click here to get our CD 'True illusions' at cdbaby.com
Some of our reviews:
--CD review by Stoy (on cdbaby.com)-- 4 out of 5 stars Very strong album, expecting great things to come This is a great addition to any classic rock music library, with a uniquely epic flavor to the songs. The vocals are heavy on the harmony, and emotionally tied to the lyrics. While it's more than solid enough to stand on its own, the subtle nods to bands long gone (or past their prime) make listening feel like rediscovering an old friend. Even if you're not immediately blown away, I highly recommend giving yourself a chance to warm to this album. The samples don't do justice to the full tracks, which often work up gradually to a remarkably rich, satisfying finish.
--CD review by Jonathan Pine for ProgressiveEars.com-- Devas a fine name for a band: both in Hinduism and in Buddhism Devas are spirits living in their own etheric realm (the word deva in Sanskrit means shining one). Luckily enough, the group exists in this, very real, world. Created in Boston Devas now resides in Los Angeles, consisting of the following members: Andri Leonardo (vocals, piano), Gianni Chiarello (guitars), Emir Isilay (piano, keyboards), Dave Lindermann (bass), Kaoru Suzuki (drums) and Alice Ayvazian (backing vocals).The album True Illusions is a diverse collection of melodic and very well arranged songs. Musically it is a style that can be labelled as prog-pop. The opening track is a gentle ballad The Paintress with some gorgeous piano playing. The second piece The Other Side is rather a straight forward song but very catchy, including remarkable keyboard and guitar solos at the end. The following number From Within begins very rhythmically (vocal, piano + guitar) but changes its direction several times. The title track, True Illusions offers a solid work of the rhythmic section and classy guitar riffs in ZZ TOP style.My favorite tunes are the fifth song Moving On (a marvelously delicate ballad with excellent vocal line and piano work) and the tenth track Losing Faith (dreamy, containing harmony vocals and a classy, weeping, Latimer-like, guitar solo).The vocals and the tasteful piano work are the highlights of this album. The vocalist Andri Leonardo sings in a number of different styles always maintaining the purity of tone. To be truthful, I must add that all the band members represent high quality musicianship, demonstrating lots of potential. Lyrically, this release focuses on existential problems and dreams.Summing up, if you like this music genre, Devas CD will not disappoint you. Furthermore, there are a few songs that should please everyone. That is why this work is worth recommending to anyone who loves exciting music with nice arrangements, melodical atmosphere and adequate amount of melancholy (not too much, I mean).Personally, I prefer this release to most of the Hogarth-era Marillion albums.