Review Summary: A “greatest hits compilation” actually worth listening to
Kevin Devine is an artist I have always had a difficult time getting into. The folk-rock feel of his songs and potent lyricism have always appealed to me, but something always seemed to be missing. The songs often felt boring and stagnant. Several times over the last few years I have sat down to listen to one of his many albums, but was left disappointed, with the album leaving no lasting impact aside from a single here and there. With the release of Matter of Time, I have finally found an album that captures the potential that I always knew Kevin Devine and The Goddamn Band were capable of.
For those of you unfamiliar, Kevin Devine is a singer and songwriter who specializes in alternative/folk/ indie rock music. To give the best comparison I can, I would say that his music typically falls somewhere in the spectrum of Elliott Smith and Conor Oberst all the way to Brand New and Manchester Orchestra. This album, utilizing a full band, falls more in the vein of the latter bands.
Matter of Time is an interesting mix between a compilation album and a live album. The album was recorded by Devine and The Goddamn Band in a 2012 studio session fresh off of extensive touring. The bands goal was to capture the sound and energy of their past tour. Because of this, the band takes arguably all of Devine’s best songs off all his prior releases and combines them into one energetic, cohesive set-list of an album. One issue that often occurs with greatest hits albums is that the songs sound disjointed and unconnected. This is not the case with this release. By re-recording every track, a live concert type feel is created, complete with some spontaneous jamming. The result makes the record feel just as cohesive and well structured as a standard album should feel.
Not only does the album act as a greatest hits compilation of Devine, but also the songs on the album actually sound better than their former renditions. Take for example the song “Cotton Crush”, the opening track released on Devine’s 2005 album Split the Country, Split the Street. In the new rendition found on this album, the song is heavier, louder, more aggressive, more emotional and just overall a stronger version of its former self. With the entire band in their element, every song sounds more powerful, fleshed out and fuller than previous versions. The dramatic increase of energy presented on this album provides just the spark Devine needed to make his songs come alive and leave a lasting impact.
Although Kevin Devine may never release a perfect studio album, his greatest strength may be in his live performances. This release showcases the immense talent of Kevin Devine and The Goddamn Band. By combining all of their biggest hits into one perfectly cohesive set-list, an electric live show experience was created. Every song recreated is catchier, grander and more hard-hitting than ever before.
Favorite Tracks:
Cotton Crush
Buried by the Buzz / Carnival
Brother’s Blood
