Kevin Devine - Brothers Blood

Label: Favorite Gentlemen Released: 28th April 2009 Website: www.myspace.com/kevindevine If ever there was proof needed that to back the vadility of reincarnation then the latest album by Kevin Devine would be it, for he has created a body of work so beautiful and tender that I’m starting to think he’s channeling the genius of Elliot Smith. Ok, the Elliot Smith comparisons are hardly new but I always felt that on record Devine played second fiddle to the late great acoustic genius. Devine tended to play his strongest hand when it came to his live performances, of which he played second fiddle to nobody; but a good seven years on from ‘Circle Gets The Square’ he’s definitely put that ghost to rest. A lot of super fans, like me, will have heard a few of these songs before through his live sets, youtube videos and myspace demos but that doesn’t detract from the overall experience he’s created here. It’s the sort of album that will perfectly compliment any sunny road trip with friends. I realise how incredibely cliché that description is but it’s genuinely true. Right now I’m sat in my living room with the miniscule, yet glorious, London sunshine burning my legs and I can’t help but smile when I think about all the good times I’m bound to have with my friends this summer. This is all thanks to the eleven tracks that make up ‘Brothers Blood’. Like I said before, some of the songs have been aired before but the majority of those songs have vastly improved from the demo stages. Take for example ‘Time to Burn’. Originally it was just an acoustic song but since the last time I heard it (mid last year) it’s turned into this huge sounding song with full accompaniment by his amazing band. Kevin Devine is without a shadow of a doubt one of the hardest working people out there. In one year I saw him play six times in London and he’s not even from this country. For years he’s slogged away, playing every basement, venue, kitchen and living room you can imagine without only critical success and his army of devoted fans keeping him going. If there was ever a chance for him to make it big then this would be it. Elliot who? Rating: 9/10