Reviews

Kevin Devine at The Louisiana in Bristol

Posted on: 2014-08-08

The night was executed with perfection. The masterful mixing of the Louie, teamed with the ever astute and meaningful music of one of the best live singer-songwriters I have ever seen, ensured that Kevin Devine blew his audience away once again.

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This year saw the breakthrough dual album releases Bulldozer and Bubblegum, the former being a one-man-and-his-guitar folk record, and the latter being a full band effort, both incredible feats of lyrical and musical prowess. Kevin Devine’s tour of the UK this August sees him travelling without the Goddamn Band, as logistical implications would not allow it, but anyone who questioned this would have been eating their words on August 7th.

Devine’s crystal clear voice and politically astute lyrics combined with his cheeky charisma and emotional yet simple guitar sound create an atmosphere of their own. Many acoustic gigs are filled with friendly chitter-chatter, which – although relaxed - can sometimes grate on anyone there for just the music, whereas this gig was filled with a kind of adoring silence. The people here had come to listen. Some to see what all the fuss was about, some to be touched by live music in a way that MP3 files can’t quite muster, some to be close to the man who has so much to say about the world we live in. As I have pointed out before, these smaller, intimate gigs often bring out the most loyal of fans. Those who don’t mind cramming into a small, sweaty space for a few hours to chant lyrics that have explained, comforted and inspired. As Devine walked on he was met by a shy applause and a few whistles, dismissed by a wary smile. The guitar was wielded and silence fell, and the evening took an emotional turn.

Hearing tracks previously recorded by Kevin and the Goddamn Band pared down to just Kevin on his own was surprising. There was no expectation, except that the songs may lack some drive, but if anything this was a whole new experience. The songs became something else. An introspective poem, a personal soliloquy, straight from the mouth and the fingers of the man who felt strongly enough to pen these lyrics in the first place. The sheer emotion and fervour with which he expressed these songs, again, left everyone speechless. Though of course, they still sung along with every word.

Kevin Devine has been supported on this tour by Hammersmith-based rockers Tellison, who provided an excellent warm-up set at the Louisiana. Giving the crowd a taste of some newer material, whilst also showcasing some crowd pleasing favourites such as Freud Links The Teeth And The Heart and the brilliantly catchy single, Edith. An unusual voice for this style of music, which occasionally slips into post-rock, indie or even math, the squeaky clean vocals which sit high on the mix are surprisingly endearing. The set was very enjoyable, and I look forward to seeing the band play at ArcTanGent Festival in Bristol later in the month.

The Louisiana has hosted gigs for over 25 years, housing an array of huge acts such as Muse, The White Stripes and Coldplay. The venue boasts the best sound in Bristol, no doubt about it, and a perfectly intimate setting for such a gorgeously rich and personal sound as Kevin Devine presents.

The night was executed with perfection. The masterful mixing of the Louie, teamed with the ever astute and meaningful music of one of the best live singer-songwriters I have ever seen, ensured that Kevin Devine blew his audience away once again. If you missed him at this gig, he will be in Bristol one more time this year, supporting long-time personal friends Manchester Orchestra, and performing some songs alongside their vocalist Andy Hull, at the Anson Rooms on 27th September. 

4/5

Reviewed by Miri Teixeira for 365Bristol

 

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