Friday February 4th, 2022
Devil’s Machinery is the new album for Grant Stevens, a guitar-based, retro-infused collection of songs featuring big hooks, consistently persuasive vocal performances, and outstanding musicianship.
An extended 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, Devil’s Machinery is a broad and stylistically refined bunch of songs.
The culmination of a lifetime writing, recording, and performing—Stevens has released a string of singles and a previous album—the new album will surprise and impress, 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.’ Produced by renowned producers Steve James (Choirboys, Cold Chisel, Thin Lizzy) and Micki Meuser and overseen by executive producer Don Esteban, Grant’s new album 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 that help create a more accessible design.
