Album Review: Bad Books - Bad Books

For some the possibility of a joint Manchester Orchestra/Kevin Devine record sounds mouth-watering, and with creditable songwriters in both Devine and Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull adding to the potential of a near-perfect record, its unfortunate that 'Bad Books' doesn't quite come off as a collaboration, but more of a mix mash of out takes from their respective acts. Whilst the swaying 'How This All Ends' does show signs of togetherness and comes off really well, as Devine and Hull's vocals blend together well.

However for much of the record you're left comparing certain tracks to Manchester Orchestra or Kevin Devine. For example 'Baby Shoes' is one of the stand out tracks with its intriguing lyrics and overall structure, but on the surface it sounds like a typical MO track with Devine making a guest appearance on backing vocals. Whereas 'The Easy Mark & The Old Maid' and 'You're A Mirror I Cannot Avoid' sounds all too familiar to Devine's solo work; stripped down to an acoustic setting, that allows Devine's vocals to breath. Whilst both are favourable, especially the former, for something that showed promise you're left slightly disappointed.

However 'Holding Down The Laughter' brings some rejoice, as the 60s rock-tinged sound with Manchester Orchestra's somewhat quirky alt-rock style is mixed up well with Devine's soft vocals. Next is the short highlight of the album, 'You Wouldn't Have To Ask' whilst it very much sounds like an MO original, its still brilliant and straight to the point.

You've probably now realised the main issue with Bad Books is that despite the bands superb talent, it lacks originality and it is a feeling that continues to the end, as 'I Begged You Everything' and 'Texas' is reminiscent of Hull's captivating Right Away, Great Captain material.

Despite its flaws, Bad Books still manages to showcase all those involved abilities to their utmost best, as the song-writing and musicianship is consistent throughout and this fact, to an extent, saves this from being a complete write off. As a fan of both acts, 'Bad Books' is satisfying enough, and will tie fans over until both release new material, although whether we'll see further material from Bad Books is questionable, as this début concludes being pleasing yet disappointing.

3.5/5

'Bad Books' by Bad Books is released digitally on October 19th through Favourite Gentlemen Records and released physically on November 9th through Favourite Gentlemen Records/Razor and Tie.

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Sean Reid