What makes Brother's Blood by Kevin Devine notable?

Brother's Blood received positive reviews from critics and showcased Devine's growth as a songwriter with emotionally charged narratives. The album's exploration of personal and societal themes resonated widely, earning it a spot on best-of lists for the year and further establishing him as a key figure in the indie music landscape. Released in 2009, Brother's Blood is Kevin Devine's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed record, Put Your Ghost to Rest. At this point in his career, Devine was solidifying his reputation within the indie rock scene, having toured extensively and engaged with a dedicated fanbase while exploring deeper thematic content.

Who is Brother's Blood for?

Brother's Blood works well if you're into haunting melodies for quiet moments, introspective lyrics for deep thinking and longing vibes for reflective evenings.

How many songs are on Brother's Blood?

Brother's Blood has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Brother's Blood

Kevin Devine · 2009

51 min · 11 tracks · indie rock

A haunting blend of introspective lyrics and atmospheric instrumentation that captures the fragility of human connections.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Brother's Blood — The title track serves as the emotional centerpiece of the album, intertwining familial themes with a poignant reflection on mortality and connection.
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All of Everything, Erased — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its layered instrumentation and candid lyricism, inviting listeners into Devine's introspective world.
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Carnival — With its vivid imagery and narrative storytelling, this track exemplifies Devine's skill in merging personal experience with broader social commentary.
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It's Only Your Life — This song highlights Devine's ability to convey vulnerability through its raw emotion and striking melodies, making it a standout moment on the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

55 /100

Foothills

Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical content and varied pacing, making it engaging but not.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build emotional intensity, particularly in the choruses.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and personal narratives, creating a strong sense of intimacy throughout the record.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

haunting melodies for quiet moments
introspective lyrics for deep thinking
longing vibes for reflective evenings
atmospheric sounds during solitary walks

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat and fast-paced
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2009, Brother's Blood is Kevin Devine's fifth studio album, following his critically acclaimed record, Put Your Ghost to Rest. At this point in his career, Devine was solidifying his reputation within the indie rock scene, having toured extensively and engaged with a dedicated fanbase while exploring deeper thematic content.
Stylistic neighbors: Brand New· Modest Mouse· The Front Bottoms