Bad Books

by Bad Books

Overview

Manchester Orchestra's Andy Hull and solo artist Kevin Devine first crossed paths in 2007, when both were tapped as openers for Brand New's spring tour. Although they released a split EP several years later, this self-titled album is the duo's first collaborative project, with both musicians sharing lead vocals and songwriting duties. The track list is split in half: Devine contributes five new tunes, most of them acoustic, introspective, indie folk ballads in the vein of Elliott Smith; and Hull offers an equal amount of noisy, messy pop/rock in return. Although they play on each other's material, the two don't carve out a unique sound as much as adapt to each other's style, and this disc often sounds like another split EP as opposed to a conflation of talents. On album highlights like "Holding Down the Laughter," though, Hull and Devine find a common groove, mixing cheesy '70s keyboards and lo-fi charm with earnest, summery pop hooks. ~ Andrew Leahey

Product Details

Release Date:	01/27/2023
Label:	MISCELLANEOUS RECORD
UPC:	0843563153642

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Bad Books   Primary Artist
Kevin Devine   Guitar,Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Jonathan Corley   Bass
Andy Hull   Bass,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Vocals (Background)
Christopher Freeman   Piano,Keyboards,Percussion,Vocals (Background)
Ben Homola   Help,Drums,Percussion
Joe Cannetti   Bass

Technical Credits

Kevin Devine   Group Member
Chris Bracco   Mixing
Robert McDowell   Engineer,Group Member
Jonathan Corley   Group Member
Andy Hull   Group Member
Glenn Schick   Mastering
Christopher Freeman   Artwork,Group Member
Ben Homola   Group Member
Brian Manley   Artwork
Bad Books   Producer
James Ceretta   Composer