Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band/Cymbals Eat Guitars – “Devinyl Split No. 4” Review

Posted: by Sean Gonzalez

Kevin Devine is one of the more unique visionaries in the music scene right now. Like The Dear Hunter, Manchester Orchestra and Into It. Over It., the man takes his creativity to the next level and usually lands on his feet without any harm done. In 2015, he wanted to release six splits with different artists. From covering The Cure to writing about his late friend Mike Skinner, he has succeeded in proving his worth and talent to the world through the first three splits. Devinyl Split No. 4 features the first full song from Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band in two years sharing a release with the first track from Cymbals Eat Guitars since their last release LOSE

“Aerobed” is the track from the suburban indie rock group Cymbals Eat Guitars who bring everything to love about their music forward into this track. The lyrics are again that biting honest documentation of D’Agostino’s life, struggling at how to even cope with someone with Endocarditis. His vocals fit perfectly with the music this time, a monotonous rasp over scratchy guitar work bringing to life the emotional agony he’s in. When the song sheds its acoustic appeal we are introduced to crushing drums with dreamy shoegaze guitar work being cut by the powerful vocal delivery. He has a different kind of air here, it’s urgent and full of life. 

After a delicate ending to such an honest track, Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band unveil “Magic Magnet.” His lyrics have always been heavy with imagery, with this song not being an exception. The song is a vibrant and explosive tune with infectious vocal melodies to get your own voice singing along. “I watched the sun die, I watched the sun die, I watched sun die,” is the chorus refrain and goddamn it is it perfect. The drums are frantically rolling around, the guitars are loud and the mood just calls for desperate voices to be heard. Everything about the track is catchy and fun while also possessing a fuzzy edge to it that could be right out the early 90s rock scene. 

This is a fun and inventive split that no one should pass out, especially if you like either of these bands. It showcases both of them at their best and playing music they love. What more could you ask for?

Score: 8/10