UMUR "Christeen (+ 4 Demos)" is an EP release by Canadian artist Devin Townsend. The EP was released through HevyDevy Records (Townsend´s own label) in 1998. It features 5 tracks and a total playing time of 29:54 minutes.

The ultra melodic "Christeen" opens the EP. It´s culled directly from "Infinity" (1998) where it appears as track number two. So it´s obviously the remaining tracks which are most interesting as they are exclusive to this release (if you already own "Infinity"). All four tracks are demos of tracks which were originally intended to be included on "Infinity", but didn´t make the cut because of studio time restraints. Allegedly Townsend slept on the floor of the studio while recording "Infinity", but I guess even the most diligent workaholic can´t change the fact that there are only so many hours a day. Townsend also struggled with his mental health while writing and recording the material for "Infinity", and allegedly didn´t have the needed mental resources to finish the four tracks so they could be included on "Infinity".

Honestly that´s completely bewildering to me, as the four demo tracks featured on this EP in some cases sound much more complete and interesting to me than some of the material which Townsend ultimately chose to include on "Infinity". Both in terms of compositional quality but also in terms of featuring a well sounding professional production job. There´s nothing here to indicate that these four tracks are demos.

"Om" is a brilliant multi-layered track featuring heavy guitars and drums, vocals, synths/keyboards. "Sit In The Mountain" features a mellow, melodic, and multilayered sound which points at and pre-dates the direction that Townsend would pursue in the mid-00s. "Processional (Star Child Rise / Welcome Home / Metamorph / Infinite Waltz)" is an 11:41 minutes long progressive metal track, which opens with some of Townsend´s most impressive vocal acrobatics...where he reaches incredible notes in the high end of the scale. As the title may suggest it´s a multi-part track, and while not all parts are equally remarkable, it´s a track which shows the listener a lot about how Townsend builds his famous wall-of-sound layers. The last section of the track ("Infinite Waltz") is indeed an epic sounding waltz in 3/4. "Love-Load" closes the EP and it´s an ambient, industrial tinged, atmospheric track. It´s actually a remix of the Unit:187 song titled "Looking at the Love Load (I Need Nobody But Me)", which was originally released on their November 1997 EP "Stillborn". The original was written and produced by Devin Townsend, and this version features the same elements as the original, but in a remixed form.

So upon conclusion "Christeen (+ 4 Demos)" is well worth a purchase. There´s not only quantity here, but also a lot of quality, and it should not be missed by fans of Townsend´s early solo works. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.

Conor Fynes 'Christeen' - Devin Townsend (6/10)

The 'Christeen' demos are essentially a compilation a b-sides that never made it onto the album 'Infinity.' After listening to the songs on this, it's suprising that Devin Townsend deemed these unworthy of being on the album itself. It would be very nice to see these songs in their fully produced glory, because they are not garbage, as much stuff from typical demos are.

As a fan as Devin's music for a long time, I do enjoy the album, but it's nothing as memorable as one of his more masterful works such as 'Terria.' One song on this demo that I cannot see why it didn't make it onto a bigger album is 'Sit On The Mountain.' It is a very cheerful song in the Townsend-trademark way, but also a very deep-sounding song.

Another highlight is the slow but building 'Processional.' It is slow, even to the point of ambience at times, but it would have been a great, grandiose closing track to 'Infinity.'

Another positve mention for the demo is the sound quality, which is fairly above par for a demo. There is still the trademark wall of sound here, to give the songs that Devin Townsend warmth and depth.

In any case, it's worth checking out.