Kevin Devine & The Godamn Band – Brother’s Blood

Let’s not beat around the bush ”“ Kevin Devine is a simply brilliant singer-songwriter. 'Guys With Record Collections' is one of those songs that simply shimmer with honesty, vulnerability and passion; it’s under produced and rough-hewn, bum notes and all, but nothing can detract from its quality. It’s one of those songs that sits comfortably mid-table in my "Bestest Songs Of All Time Ever" compilation and probably always will.I’d always thought a big part of Devine’s charm was that under production, with the slightly broken vocals simply adding to the charm. That is until I heard Brother’s Blood. The album has been polished within an inch of its life, with Devine’s vocals seemingly getting the full studio treatment and a country rock band sound fit for a Neil Young stadium show. But, despite myself, it works a treat.Brother’s Blood is epic stuff and could finally see the little New Yorker break into the small time from his previous position of obscurity. The new label is a bonus too; Favourite Gentlemen is run by current (well deserved) hype kings Manchester Orchestra, with a bit of help from Sony, and clearly won’t hurt his cause.Devine has always been an expert heartstring puller, and there are some room silencers here. 'It’s Only Your Life' is beautifully poignant and not many songwriters have the ability to make a six-minute acoustic tear jerker feel like its over too soon. Title track 'Brother’s Blood' is in real epic Neil Young territory, an eight minute epic that starts out all 'Cortez the Killer' before becoming a screaming uncontrolled mess that just about hangs together and is compelling to the end.'Time To Burn (Another Bag of Bones)' is a bass led foot tapper rich in effects, harmonies and percussion that ebbs slowly but funkily as it builds to a crescendo. 'Murphy’s Song' is a lovely, sappy duet with JayMay; 'I Could Be With Anyone' kicks off all drum (machine) and bass before rocking out indie country pop punk style; 'Yr Husband' recalls Fountains Of Wayne at their best. I think what I’m getting at is that there’s plenty of variety, but it all seems to work amazingly well. Brother’s Blood is quite simply a cracking album, and my favourite of the year so far. 90%Kevin Devine on Myspace