KEVIN DEVINE is a prolific singer-songwriter and musician from Brooklyn, New York. Perhaps little known over this side of the ocean, he has amassed a dedicated following in the States, having been knocking about the New York indie rock scenes for more than 15 years.
After starting out playing with indie rock bands such as The Miracle of ‘86, Devine broke away and began a solo career with his first album Circle Gets the Square in 2002. He has followed this up with an album every few years, releasing Make the Clocks Move, Split the Country, Split the Street, and Put Your Ghost to Rest (on Capitol Records ) by 2006, and Brother’s Blood and Between the Concrete and Clouds in 2009 and 2011 respectively.
Devine is a man who wears his influences on his sleave, including legendary indie acts Neutral Milk Hotel, Pavement, and Elliott Smith, and more mainstream names like Nirvana and Bob Dylan, whose styles are often apparent in his music. He is known for his intimate acoustic grounding, his soft to booming vocal extremes, and his politically and socially charged lyrics.
Devine has garnered an impressive army of loyal fans over the years, initially from his extensive touring and collaboration with established bands like Brand New and Manchester Orchestra. He has also played at several major festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza.
It was his relationship with his fans that helped him complete his latest two offerings, the solo Bulldozer and The Goddamn Band-backed Bubblegum, both released late last year. The albums were made through crowd-source funding website Kickstarter, reaching his $50,000 target within nine hours, and receiving almost $115,000 overall.
Kevin Devine plays the Roisin Dubh next Tuesday July 22 at 8pm. Here are five of his best for your listening pleasure:
1. Noose Dressed Like A Necklace
Politically-driven song with an explosive surprise along the way from its pacey, unassuming, start. Off his album Make the Clocks Move, inspired by the death of his father.
2. A Flatline Blur
A foot-tapping, easy-going, number from the same album, bursting with his usual imaginative and witty lyrics.
3. Another Bag of Bones
Single from 2009’s Brother’s Blood. A layered and snow-balling indie rock song, with a cleverly written anti-war sentiment.
4. Just Stay
The single from the Put Your Ghost to Rest (2006 ). A classic Devine, filled with heart.
5. Bubblegum
Title track off his new Kickstarter-funded album, featuring The Goddamn Band and Jesse Lacey of Brand New.
Tickets for Kevin Devine are available from www.giaf.ie