[DID NOT ATTEND: May 18, 2023] Kevin Devine / The New Amsterdams featuring Matt Pryor / Brother Bird
I’ve been a fan of Kevin Devine for a few years. I feel like I’ve seen him a bunch because he so often plays around here. And yet I have only seen him three time (twice solo and once with his Goddamn Band). I would love to see him again especially with his band.
This show was intriguing–he was playing his album Make the Clocks Move (recently re-released) plus more. The posters made it unclear whether he would be playing with the New Amsterdams or not.
From what I can gather, Kevin was solo, with an occasional guest.
But once again, Kevin Devine has scheduled a local show on the same night as three other shows I wanted to see. This happened in April of last year as well–three other shows that I had wanted to go to. Tonight’s were The New Pornographers, Richard Thompson and Acid Mothers Temple (who won out). This show was in Garwood, a local(ish) town that I hope to see more shows at. I’m bummed I couldn’t make this one as it sounds like a great night.
I had never heard of The New Amsterdams. They are a project of Matt Pryor, the lead singer of The Get Up Kids. This is his more folkie/mellow side. But as soon as he started singing, I recognized his voice right away.
The New Amsterdams were Matt Pryor and (according to Country Standard Time) “a few backing musicians.” He/they were playing the album Worse for the Wear (plus more).
Opening for them was Brother Bird (Caroline Swon, who was a The Voice Season 4 contender). She played solo acoustic. She has a very pleasant voice, although the above review says “the songs ended up being a bit too similar … more variety would have suited Brother Bird.”
The review also noted that Brother Bird was a utility player throughout the night, showing up during the sets of both Devine and The New Amsterdams.
Here’s The New Amsterdams (clip from Country Standard Time) filmed at Brighton Music Hall.
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