The Devlins, brothers Colin and Peter Devlin, have always had the ability to produce compelling, understated musical gems and the release of their fourth album, Waves, looks set to cement their reputation as an Irish band with more longevity, creativity and credibility than most.

With Waves, the brothers took a different approach to recording this time around. “We set up to record in a very live way�, explains bassist Peter Devlin. “Our recording studio lends itself to that, it’s a big warehouse in Dublin’s docklands.� Singer/guitarist Colin Devlin continues “We worked the arrangements out the way we would for a live show, then we hit the record button. Previously, we’ve worked the other way around. I think this time it made for a more dynamic record which is great to play live.�

The Devlins This energy was brought to the fore in the final stages of recording by British mix engineer Danton Supple. “We really liked what Danton did when he was working with the Doves. He has also done some great work on the Coldplay and Starsailor records� says Peter, “and has an ability to make a performance sound epic.� The opening track, “Everything Comes Around� is a case in point. A dark mood created by swirling guitar loops and feedback is underpinned by a heavy, hypnotic rhythm track. The chorus explodes with a hook you’ll be singing along to first time around.

The Devlins have upped the tempo and their targets on this record. “It’s a record that will sound great both on the radio and on the stage� Colin says enthusiastically. “Guy’s (Rickarby) drumming really brought a lot of power and excitement to the record. But as people who saw the Consent tour already know he has a great understanding of the song and the dynamic. We intend to tour this record for a while.�

The live show has played an important part in building The Devlins’ career. Beginning with small club dates to promote their debut album Drift (produced by Daniel Lanois), they steadily built a loyal fan-base, progressing to high profile support tours and then headline shows across Europe, America and Canada after the release of their second album, Waiting.

In the two years since the last Devlins’ album (Consent), the duo’s music has been featured in several prominent music placements including “Waiting� (from the album of the same name) appearing on HBO’s Six Feet Under soundtrack while this autumn “World Outside� (also from Waiting) is included in the new film “Closer,� starring Jude Law and Natalie Portman.

The release of Waves sees The Devlins open a new chapter in an already highly successful musical career. The Devlins will be touring North America in March of 2005.