With his angsty, heartbreaking arrangements,
Kevin Devine is frequently described as a cross between
Dashboard Confessional and
Bright Eyes. On opener "Ballgame" he even acknowledges the stigma that could be attached to him: "And I know the kid with his guitar, so drunk and anxious, has been done to death/So tell me what hasn't, I'll try it." However, his second solo record (which comes just months after the release of his band's Every Famous Last Word) deserves a proper examination.
Devine sounds nearly as tortured as he did on Circle Gets the Square, but he also finds comfort and appreciation during moments like the lovely "Splitting Up Christmas," where he expresses gratitude to his friends and family. The excellent "Longer That I'm Out Here" is one of a few selections with a full band, yet keeps a distance from the poppy punk of
the Miracle of 86. Tender closing track "Thanks" appears bright with a glistening glockenspiel, but
Devine leaves listeners with the emo-fueled words of "When you get here it's so nice, it's just the part where you leave I don't like." If only he could turn back the clock. ~ Kenyon Hopkin