7/27/2019 Review of Kevin Devine's Bubblegum & Bulldozer

1/2

Kevin Devine Bubblegum &Bulldozer

Eleven years ago, Kevin Devine released his first solo album, Circle Gets theSquare. Since then, he has compiled 10 overall albums, between solo work, workingwith his Goddamn Band or his collaborations with Manchester Orchestra, Bad Books.

Over the course of these albums, he has developed a rapport with his audienceunparalleled, especially his resilience to be undeterred by major label issues. Thisconnection and unearthly relationship was more than evident from the outpour of support,financially and verbally, towards Devines Kickstarter campaign. This campaign wascreated by Devine so he could record two albums free of any major-label influence andhe raised $114,805 for his goal of $50,000.

Bubblegum, arranged and written with his Goddamn Band, produced by JesseLacey of Brand New fame, comes off as Devines most abrasive and frenetic effort.Between the wretched and poignant cover art depicting George Washingtons portraitdeteriorating, melting and the alerting nature of songs like Private First Class andFiscal Cliff, there is a strong encompassment of the turmoil-laden relationship between

the government and the citizens that feel uncertain about their fair countrys direction.Devine has risen as the man with the megaphone in a crowd of people whispering theirconcerns to their closest friend. Fiscal Cliff is a song driven by both Devine and theGDBs frantic instrumentation, as well as the paranoia that comes with a generation ofbright minds anchored down by a dismal financial system and lack of prospects (Theygave you credit/then cut your card up/gave you a student loan but there's no work/gaveyou a mortgage then took your house keys/and somehow, you keep saying, "Thank you,sir").

Bubblegum is an album inspired, sonically and lyrically, by social issuesemphasized by emotional outbursts. I Cant Believe You is one of the albums moreintriguing cuts, addressing aging (Devine will be turning 34 this year) and relationship

issues exasperated by lack of communication. A looming bassline that gives it a 90s-DIY-punky-ballad feel.Devine sounds refined and revitalized on Bubblegum, a humble man reluctantly,

but emphatically providing lyrics to a chaotic period for our country and specifically, fora subset of college students beginning to prepare for a world they are uncertain will bereceptive.

Bulldozeris record that is softer on music, but not softer on sentiment. Here,Kevin takes on more roles than a spokesperson for any kind of cause, rather an observeror reporter. He takes a more introspective look on external matters. This album wasproduced by Rob Schnapf, who has been part of producing work for Beck, Elliott Smith

and Guided by Voices. On Now: Navigate, Devine observes the contrast of those inurban communities peeking in at a higher class of living with curiosity and contempt.This album finds Devine in the poetic and lovely manner he honed over the past decade-plus on songs like I Couldnt Be Happier and The Worm in Every Apple (I thoughtit'd all just sorta slow/but passivity is reckless/when it's true love you're protecting/you'rethe worm in every apple, laying low). From Here is a tale about Devines trip home toStaten Island (he is Brooklyn-based these days) to help friends repair what was left oftheir neighborhood after the devastating Hurricane Sandy last year, a very personal

7/27/2019 Review of Kevin Devine's Bubblegum & Bulldozer

2/2

journey that provides some insight into the very intimate effects of a natural disaster.In terms of melody and cadences, Little Bulldozer is his most celebratory and

jubilant song since Just Stay off of 2006s Put Your Ghosts to Rest.Kevin Devine has both released two albums that satisfy financial worries and

provide his diehard fans with assurance that he will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

Bulldozerand Bubblegum present two distinct sides of Devine, sensible andconcerned, as well as destructive and defensive. He has given the music industry a lot toabsorb and its only right such a compassionate musician gets his long-awaited due.