Devo - The Men Who Make The Music

Devo - The Men Who Make The Music is an unconventional musical documentary released in 1981, presenting an up-close look at the Devo band - one of the most distinctive and influential American rock bands that emerged in the late 1970s.

Featuring band members Bob Casale, Gerald Casale, Mark Mothersbaugh, and Robert Mothersbaugh, this documentary offers an eclectic mix of concert clips, narrative sketches and morphing animation that exemplifies the zany, satirical aesthetic that Devo espoused throughout their career. The overall narrative structure and visual style mirror the innovative, nonconformist attitude of the band.

Led by two sets of brothers - the Casales and the Mothersbaughs - Devo embraced a unique blend of punk, pop, synth, and rock music. They further distinguished themselves with a highly inventive visual style manifesting in their stage costumes and music videos. Their approach, infused with both intellectualism and quirky humor, is self-termed "devolution," a concept they crafted as a satirical comment on societal regression.

The film opens with a series of delightfully bizarre vignettes mirroring Devo's distinct aesthetic. Integral to the band's brand of performance art, these vignettes showcase the band's wacky, absurdist humor and are interspersed throughout the documentary. From these chaotic foundations, the film transitions into a more traditional documentary format, narrating the formation and evolution of the band.

Though the band is known for their irreverant satire and eccentric performances, the film does a great job of diving deeper. It delves into the backstory of the band in Akron, Ohio, showing us their rising trajectory from an underground phenomenon to mainstream success with an international following.

Candid discussions with the band members offer an introspective look at their creative process, ideology, and inspirations. The members provide insights into the formation, music creation process and their artistic expressions that might be enlightening even for the most diehard fans. The documentary, while exploring the personas behind Devo's larger-than-life stage presence, never loses the uniquely quirky and satirical tone that is so quintessentially Devo.

Among the highlights are electrifying live performances from Devo at different stages of their career showcasing their formidable musicianship. Viewers are treated to raw, energetic performances of some of the band's biggest hits, including "Whip It" and "Jocko Homo." Trippy animated sequences are peppered throughout, further emphasizing Devo's fondness for technicolor surrealism.

Notable is the band's chemistry that threads throughout the entire film. Their camaraderie, shared goals and collective creativity is infectious, painting a picture of a band that knew precisely what they stood for and what they wanted to express through their music.

A key aspect of the documentary is its exploration of Devo's subversive, societal criticisms. As committed visual artists and craftsmen of satirical lyrics, Devo created a soundscape and visual aesthetics that challenged norms and questioned aspects of existence in a capitalist, technology-driven society. The band's viewpoints, which were considered radical during their timeframe, are particularly insightful to revisit under a contemporary lens.

The film is great not just for Devo fans, but for musicians, music historians, or anyone interested in seeing how a unique band made their mark on the music industry during a transformative period. The band's unique persona comes across vividly, offering a compelling look at their journey and how they shook up the music scene with their peculiarities.

Devo - The Men Who Make The Music is not just a movie about a band; it's a cultural artifact that serves as a portal to an era of musical rebels who weren't afraid to put their creativity on display. The documentary offers an illuminating throwback to an important moment in rock history and a defining period in Devo's career as they charted their idiosyncratic course. It stands testament to the band's continued relevance, undiluted originality and their unique place in the annals of American music.

In conclusion, Devo - The Men Who Make The Music effectively marries the energy of Devo's performances with their thought-provoking perspectives and quirky humor, giving viewers an invigorating and engaging insight into one of American music history's most unconventional bands. This innovative band continues to inspire, and Devo - The Men Who Make The Music lets us explore why their influence is still felt in music today.